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Vol. 22, No. 18 February 25 - 2, 2016 50¢

BLACK

M O NT H History Canton courtroom Murray addresses honors Brown-Wright youth

By Stephanie R. Jones Contributing Writer Jasmine Murray, 2014, is con- tinuing the platform she focused on during her reign. Speaking at New Hope Baptist Church’s third series of Black His- tory Month programs Feb. 18, her message was designed to encourage girls and young women to think positively about themselves and to make Murray good life choices. The theme of the program was “Youth Heritage Night: Committed to Moving Forward.” She told the audience honoring the past and people who came before us is necessary. “Without your past you wouldn’t be the person you are today,” Murray said. “Even though I tell you to honor your past, don’t dwell on it either. Take advantage of the day you have right now. Focus on everything to prepare for your future,” the Columbus native said. She said finding one’s gift is key. “God gave me a passion for music,” said Murray, who was the first Flonzie Brown-Wright discusses the experience blacks had in the 1960s attempting to register to vote. Blacks had to pull a random question out of a cigar Mississippian to become a finalist on the TV show box in Canton. PHOTO BY SHANDERIA K. POSEb “.” “Whatever your passion, it’s from

New Hope By Shanderia K. Posey failed him every time. Brown-Wright says that Editor Continued on page 11B on his death bed, the superintendent called for Flonzie Brown-Wright, 73, a Mississippi her father and apologized for what he had done, civil rights icon who fearlessly worked to get telling her dad, “Will you forgive me ‘cause ev- blacks registered to vote in the 1960s, has been ery time you took that test, you passed, but we recognized numerous times for her work. were not ready to allow a black man, a colored She was the first African-American woman to man to unstop a toilet with a license.” be elected to public office in Mississippi since Eventually, her dad did receive his license. City, state Reconstruction. Around 1965, Brown-Wright was Can- But this Friday’s event – the dedication of a ton’s NAACP branch manager. Typically, she Canton City Hall courtroom in her honor – may denied his plumber’s and electrician’s license brought groups to the Madison County Court- issue water surpass previous recognitions. about 60 years ago. Her father took the test to The courtroom in City Hall is also the same receive the license three times in the room, and Courtroom place where her father – Frank Brown Sr. – was though he passed every time, the superintendent Continued on page 12B warnings

From Staff Reports The city of Jackson addressed concerns about Historic Colored AHA chooses Tougaloo College lead in the city’s water system Wednesday. In a press release, the city reported that Jack- son’s water has not been deemed unsafe. However, Women’s Club students for scholars program pregnant women and small children should follow the Mississippi Department of Health’s recommen- The Mississippi Link Newswire dations for prevention of lead exposure from drink- still growing The American Heart As- ing water. By Natalie Bell sociation/American Stroke The city was notified by the MSDH Jan. 28, that Contributing Writer Association has chosen four random water samples from 13 out of 58 homes Tougaloo College students to Like their “colored,” educated and middle- showed lead above the actionable levels of 0.015. 2016 class of the AHA’s His- class forerunners, who saw that they were no The agency retrieved the samples in June 2015 and torically Black Colleges and better than anyone else until the whole race of received the results in July 2015. Universities Scholars Pro- black people worked together to pull one another The city is taking additional compliance mea- gram. up, new inductees of the National Association of Pictured are RaChard Brown (from left), Dr. Mario Sims, Dr. Delores sures, including more frequent sampling and tak- Tougaloo College is the Bolden-Stamps, vice president of Institutional Advancement; Dr. Colored Women Clubs continue to pick up and ing measures to mitigate the reaction of the finished first HBCU in Mississippi to Asoka Srinivasan, interim provost; Dr. Donna Antoine-Lavigne, Dr. proclaim the club’s motto: “Lifting as we climb.” water with piping, plumbing and service lines. Mit- be chosen for the program Mario Sims, Alexis Martin, Dr. Clifton Addison, Kendrique Morgan, Established in 1896, NACWC is the nation’s igation measures typically include implementation and only the third in the na- Dr. Ervin Fox, Dr. Beverly Hogan, Tougaloo president; and Dr. oldest African-American civic organization and of flushing programs and optimizing corrosion con- tion since the launch of the Wendy White. Caitlyn Beasley is not pictured because she was in 2010 still reigned among the country’s top 10 trol during the treatment process. Jackson’s source program last fall with students unable to attend the event. non-profit organizations, according to Ebony water and finished drinking water leaving the plant from Fisk University and Ten- have been selected as scholars lege. “Tougaloo College has magazine. do not contain lead, according to the release. nessee State University, both to participate in the American an established history of pro- On Feb. 20, the Eureka Arts Federated Club, Lead enters the water from the corrosion of ma- in Nashville. Heart Association’s program,” Club We are so pleased that four said Dr. Beverly W. Hogan, Tougaloo Water Continued on page 11B of our high achieving students president of Tougaloo Col- Continued on page 11B Continued on page 11B

Canton Public Visit “Hallowed Tyson to receive Share this issue with a friend Schools salutes Grounds” during ‘Sidney Poitier by mailing it to: Supt. Williams Black History Award’

Inside Month

Page 8A Page 1B Page 14B LOCAL

2A • THE MISSISSIPPI LINK FEBRUARY 25 - MARCH 2, 2016 www.mississippilink.com Dad, other black contractors helped shape Jackson’s skyline

By Hugh Latham Special to The Mississippi Link The construction of the skyline of Jack- son used the hard work and talents of many small black contractors. After World War II and through the 1980s, these contractors poured concrete, laid brick, plastered, hung sheet rock, painted, framed and supplied most of the manual labor in the actual creation in most Jackson landmarks. From high-rise build- ings, shopping centers, office complexes, hospitals, housing subdivisions, and many more, black contractors supplied the Baptist Medical Center Marriott Hotel skilled craftsman and manual manpower. W.L. Latham Sr. My father, W.L. Latham, was one of these contractors who poured concrete for projects in Jackson, Hinds County and across the state. From my childhood through high school, my summers were spent watching and working with my fa- ther and my seven brothers as we poured concrete on all types of projects in the area. Brothers Ameen Abdur-Rashied, Hugh As I look back over my father’s accom- Merit Health Central Hospital Alexander Hall at Jackson State Latham and Fritz Latham plishments, I am amazed that this hap- pened against the backdrop of legal and older brothers were from my father’s first also some that would tell my father they was performing. ly in my presence. The check was written cultural segregation in Jackson during the wife, but because they call my mother, knew it was wrong but could not openly But on one Saturday morning when I and the owner drove off. 1940s through the 1970s. Mother, I did not realize they had a differ- challenge the status quo. was in high school, my father asked me to My father and I climbed into his truck My father was well known by many of ent mother until I was in about the seventh My sister, Arenthia, told the story about go with him to measure the weeks’ work and drove home. Not a single word on the the white construction companies in the grade. the night at the height of the time when on a subdivision he was pouring south of what had just happened was exchanged area, and because of this, he had to walk My brother, W.L. Latham Jr. (Frank’s were active in the state. Jackson. We had just finished measuring, between us. It was not until I was in col- a fine line on what they knew. He like so World Famous Biscuits), ran a restaurant My father took her to a gas station on Ter- and I had figured up the bill of little more lege when I asked him if he remember the many others who depended on getting for many years in Jackson. My brother ry Road. He introduced her to a white gas than $2,000. The owner drove up in a new incident. He turned to me and gave a big contracts had to be careful on what infor- John tells the story of how he and Junior station operator, and she was instructed Cadillac and lowered his window. He took smile. mation was disclosed about his involve- were coming from a juke joint in Vicks- that if she needed a place of safety, she out his checkbook, but before my father The photos accompanying this story ment in the . burg and got stopped by a state trooper could give him an amount, he had a joke represent some of the buildings where My youngest brother tells the story of name Giggie Martin. They were ordered COMMENTARY for my father. “Hey Red, if you take a N my father poured concrete in the Jackson how people were surprised that my fa- out and were instructed to place their (black), D (Italian ) and a W (Jew) . . .” By area. Some of the buildings have since ther could read engineering drawings of hands on the car. John stated that after an could go there and stay in his “safe” room this time I was looking at the ground and been re-named. a street layout, use a survey instrument, open bottle of liquor was found in the ve- until my father picked her up. On one had zoned out what he was saying. I saw My father and many more like him find elevation, slopes, layout the radius hicle, he knew they were going to get a job site, the owner took black and white by father clinch his fist on the side away worked long hard hours in all types of of streets and build all the streets with beat down and spend a night in jail. When workers through the front door of a res- from view. I am quite sure the joke lasted weather, subjected to legal discrimination only an seventh-grade education. He was the officer learned they were the sons of taurant so that each of them could order about a minute, but it seemed like an hour. that limited what they could accomplish. driven by the desire for knowledge and ‘Red’ Latham, John stated that the liquor lunch. It was customary that black patrons After he finished, my father gave a half Each time I return to Jackson, I drive the necessity to provide for a large family. was given back and they were instructed used the back door. chuckle and said, “You owe me $2,500.” by many buildings and it seems I can hear My brother later became an architect, and to drive straight home. Many of the general contractors that In my father’s valid anger toward the my father’s voice. I became an engineer. The civil rights struggle had many hired my father used him over and over owner, he increased the price for what he Hugh Latham is a Jackson native who We grew up in a blended family, with moving parts. There were many people again, and many spoke in a professional was owed as a way to make the owner pay now lives in Greensboro, N.C. He is presi- seven brothers and two sisters. My three agitating openly for social change and way with my father about the work he for telling him such a racist joke, especial- dent of Centurion Systems, Inc. LOCAL

www.mississippilink.com FEBRUARY 25 - MARCH 2, 2016 THE MISSISSIPPI LINK • 3A Pulitzer Prize-winning Poet Laureate New Stage Children’s Theatre presents ‘A Wrinkle in Time’ Trethewey discusses book at Millsaps The Mississippi Link Newswire friendly science fiction adventure New Stage Theatre presents the will delight audiences as they children’s theatre production of A travel with these children, chal- By Janice K. Neal-Vincent Wrinkle in Time adapted by John lenging concepts of time, space Contributing Writer Glore based on the book by Mad- and triumph of good over evil. The nation’s 19th Poet Laure- eleine L’Engel. “A Wrinkle in Time has sold ate from 2012-14 and Gulfport “A Wrinkle in Time was one of more than eight million copies native, Natasha Trethewey made my favorite books growing up,” since it was published, has never a special appearance at Millsaps said Director Chris Roebuck. “I been out of print, and is a child- College Feb. 19 for Friday Fo- have read it numerous times in hood favorite for so many people, rum. The well-attended public my life, and I always find some- myself included,” said Artistic Di- program was held in the Recital thing new. I am glad to get the rector Francine Reynolds. “I am Hall of the Gertrude C. Ford Aca- opportunity to share one of my fa- thrilled that we are bringing this demic Complex at 4:30 p.m. vorite stories with other families. highly theatrical adaptation to the In his introduction, Dr. Robert Perhaps it is a favorite of theirs, or stage. Because it is a story about Pearigen, Millsaps’ 11th presi- Millsaps College family and public in attendance Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Natasha Trethewey this will be the first time they ex- discovering the power of your in- dent, said to the audience that, at the Trethewey gathering. interacts with attendees. perience the timeless classic. Ei- dividuality, it is the perfect show “Few living poets have gained ther way, I hope they come away to get families talking and think- notoriety and impacted the com- powerful, but the most caring, from the show wanting more.” ing…and reading.” munity as Pulitzer Prize-winning loving person,” Sue glistened. “It was a dark and stormy Public performances are March Poet Trethewey.” “I think it was a beautiful event. night”…when Meg Murry, an 5 at 7 p.m. and March 6 at 2 p.m. In a soft spoken conversational She shared a lot that will help me awkward, teenaged girl is trans- Ticket prices are $15 for adults tone while speaking of “matters in my journey of writing. Rec- ported on a fantastical journey to and $10 for children 12 and from the heart,” Trethewey stood onciliation with family comes to rescue her father, a gifted scien- younger. Tickets can be purchased firmly at the podium and pulled mind,” claimed Millsaps graduate tist, from the dark forces that hold at the box office, located inside listeners into her calm, controlling Danielle Buckingham, an Ameri- him prisoner on another planet. the Jane Reid Petty Theatre Cen- voice as though they were reading corp fellow. This fantasy adventure sends ter, charged by phone by calling her poetry themselves. Jackson State University pro- Meg Murray and her little brother, the theatre at (601) 948-3531 or Some matters, she said, “hurt fessor and writer C. Liegh McIn- Charles Wallace, on a quest across ordered online at www.newstage- me into poetry.” So through her nis said it best, “I think that she space and time to rescue their fa- theatre.com. Box Office hours are pain she found her poetic voice. is one of the most beautiful ex- Award-winning author Katy Simpson Smith (left) interviews Natasha ther from the evil, all-powerful IT. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Trethewey revealed a number amples of poetry being a form to Trethewey about her book, In Conversations. PHOTOS BY JANICE K. Meg and Charles have the magi- Friday. During performances Box of personal encounters and cited make order, to navigate the pain, NEAL-VINCENT cal help of three eccentric sisters Office hours are noon to 3 p.m. on passages from her new book, “In and to realize the beauty at the named Mrs. Who, Mrs. Which, Saturday and Sunday. Conversation.” Many of them de- heart of all of it.” University. the 2008 Georgia Woman of the and Mrs. Whatsit, but in the end The Box Office is located in the noted her close relationship with Trethewey is the Robert W. The recipient of a Mississippi Year. they must rely on their own re- Jane Reid Petty Theatre Center at her mother who was murdered Woodruff professor of English Governor’s Award for Excellence She was named Poet Laureate sources to accomplish their task. 1100 Carlisle St. in the Belhaven when she was 40 years-old. At and Creative Writing at Emory in the Arts, Trethewey was named of the state of Mississippi in 2012. This inventively staged, child- neighborhood of Jackson. the time, Trethewey was a stu- dent in college. “I died early to my mother,” she told the viewers. “I had a couple of dreams (that were about) moments to spend with mother and difficulty real- izing my mother was gone,” she continued. The poet then looked to the “wise, noble ant” and equated ant mounds as monuments. She claimed that when she saw an ant mound on her mother’s grave, “It reminded me of what I had not done. Blisters bleed my heart for my mother.” Trethewey noted that though her mother has long been gone, “My wound never heals.” Following her reading Trethewey engaged in an inter- view with award-winning author Katy Simpson Smith. “You rep- resent as an artist the best of the state of Mississippi,” said Smith to Trethewey. Amidst several questions posed, Smith wanted to know how the poet conceived her role as a daughter. “I got interested in the history of the black soldiers, and I wanted to redescribe our history with their story. At the Confederate Cemetery the names on the stones were asking me to write about them. Mother had an unmarked grave and the more pressing issue was the quarrel with (me). So I started to find the truth that I had not properly re- membered the black soldiers and my mother.” A product of a mixed-race mar- riage, Trethewey added that her father was a poet. “He and I did readings together. I had to write the poem “My Father,” to survive. In that particular elegy, Trethewey describes a fishing trip she and her father took. She recalled some of her mixed-race experiences in the Deep South and commented, “We’ve changed in Mississippi. We can’t go back.” During the question/answer session Rhodes Scholar Ericka Wheeler made a lasting impres- sion. Wheeler asked, “How does the writer know what to write about?” Trethewey charged the audience to focus on their craft. “Craft has to do with finding out what one’s obsessions are. Write what you don’t want to contend with. That’s where your vision is. Form allows the real poem to come. Turn to form and that releases vision,” she stated. Those attending the event re- sponded favorably to Trethewey’s presentation. Millsaps alumnus Mary Sue stated that she and her family have known the poet for years. “She is LOCAL

4A • THE MISSISSIPPI LINK FEBRUARY 25 - MARCH 2, 2016 www.mississippilink.com Gospel stars sing praises at Paul Porter Experience

By Stephanie R. Jones ben Studdard of “American Idol” Spirituals), and, of course, Porter’s Contributing Writer fame and Le’Andria Johnson, win- signature song “Two Wings.” When the Paul Porter Experi- ner of Season 3 of “Sunday Best” Before taking the stage Porter ence arrived in Jackson Sunday in 2010. show a video detailing his jour- evening it was about much more Bobby Johnson, of BET’s “Bob- ney from sickness to health. In than the Atlanta-based gospel by Jones Gospel,” also performed 1996, Porter had a brain aneurism great. before taking a seat in the audi- that left him unable to see, speak A full house at Thalia Mara Hall ence to watch the energetic, en- or walk. He spent three years in a heard from some of the greatest thusiastic and encouraging show. wheel chair and underwent mul- gospel singers from the South and Along with the signing was lots of tiple surgeries. Over time he was beyond. words of encouragement for better able to go from the wheelchair to Porter and the incomparable times in life. a walker, then a cane. By 2006, he Rance Allen Group were joined Audience members couldn’t was able to walk on his own. during the evening by the Mis- keep their seats as the artists per- The show ended with all the sissippi Mass Choir, the Canton formed such standards as “Joy of groups joining in on a finale song. Harvey Watkins Jr. and the Canton Spirituals Spirituals, Stan Jones and Doug the Lord” and “Something About Stephanie R. Jones can be Williams of the Williams Broth- the Name Jesus” (Allen), “Started reached at [email protected] ers. Also taking the stage were Ru- My Life Over Again” (Canton or (601) 454-0372. Paul Porter and Rance Allen perform together.

All performers joined the grand finale including (from left) Ruben Studdard, Rance Allen, Stan Jones and Doug Williams. Paul Porter PHOTOS BY STEPHANIE R. JONES Dr. Bobby Jones in the audience Delta Sigma Theta chapter donates over 400 pairs of shoes

The Mississippi Link Newswire As a result of the chapter members’ ing is the primary mode of transporta- that in the chapter’s first year of part- The Madison County (MS) Alumnae pre-spring cleaning, the chapter mem- tion. Every day millions are exposed to nering with Soles4Souls, “We’re so Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Soror- bers collected more than 400 pairs of unsanitary conditions that lead to dis- excited to have exceeded our original ity, Inc., recently held a shoe drive to new and gently used shoes for women, eases such as hookworm, threadworm collection goal of 103 pairs of shoes.” support Soles4Souls, a not-for-profit, men, boys and girls in various sizes. and jiggers. They also keep children Davis and the committee’s co-chair, global social enterprise committed to The donated shoes will be used in out of school, depriving them of an op- Linda Dent, delivered the donation fighting poverty through the collection the micro enterprise model, which pro- portunity for an education and continu- to the organization’s headquarters in and distribution of shoes and clothing. vides entrepreneurs the ability to start ing the cycle of poverty. Nashville, Tenn., where they learned The International Awareness and In- small businesses by providing a steady Shoes are distributed in the Domini- firsthand about the distribution and volvement Committee of the Madison supply of high-quality, low-cost prod- can Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, met with staff of Soles4Souls. County chapter coordinated this activ- ucts – a powerful and sustainable way Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Nicaragua, This is just one of many community ity so members could connect with for people to lift themselves and their Philippines and Tanzania. service projects that the chapter hosts the mission of the organization while families out of poverty. Yolanda Davis, chair of Internation- each year in its uncompromising com- Pictured, L to R:, Linda Dent, co-chair; Nicki Avila, cleaning their closets to benefit others. In many developing nations, walk- al Awareness and Involvement, stated mitment to communities. donor services specialist; and Yolanda Davis, chair. www.mississippilink.com FEBRUARY 25 - MARCH 2, 2016 THE MISSISSIPPI LINK • 5A ETEC proudly salutes the contributions and achievements of African Americans during Black History Month COMMUNITY

6A • THE MISSISSIPPI LINK FEBRUARY 25 - MARCH 2, 2016 www.mississippilink.com CGMA presents Black History Over 75 Mississippians to join ‘Sounds of Celebration’ concert Hillary leadership council Mississippi Link Newswire Gregory Holloway Sr., state representative Mississippi Link Newswire Hillary for Mississippi announced on Robert E. Huddleston, state representative The Canton Gospel Music As- Wednesday its Leadership Council – a group , state representative sociation invites the public to of more than 75 elected officials, communi- Robert L. Johnson III, state representative its second annual Black History ty and grassroots leaders who are building a , state representative “Sounds of Celebration” concert grassroots-driven volunteer team that will help Carl Mickens, state representative at 3 p.m. Feb. 28, at the Canton Hillary Clinton win the Democratic presiden- America “Chuck” Middleton, state representative High School Auditorium, 634 tial primary in Mississippi March 8. David Myers, state representative Finney Road in Canton. Leadership Council members share Clin- Willie J. Perkins, wtate representative Hear the soulful sounds of ton’s commitment to strengthening the nation’s Tommy Reynolds, state representative Negro spirituals, hymns, gospel infrastructure, raising wages and protecting , state representative and civil rights songs in honor of civil rights. Rufus E. Straughter, state representative Black History Month. Featured “These Mississippians know that, as Kathy Sykes, state representative guest choirs include The Can- president, Clinton will fight to make sure Sara Richardson Thomas, state representative ton High School Concert Choir families in Mississippi, and all across the Kenneth Walker, state representative directed by Harry Watson, The nation, see greater opportunity,”said Hill- Percy W. Watson, state representative Reuben B. Myers School of Arts ary for Mississippi Press Secretary Ouida , state representative & Sciences Choir directed by Meruvia.“Hillary Clinton has dedicated her Charles Young Jr., state representative Jessica Beal, The Velma Jackson life to fighting for social justice and working , state senator High School Choir directed by to make people’s lives better, especially in Deborah Dawkins, state senator Daisy Ellis and the Provine High underserved communities. She is committed David Jordan, state senator School Choir directed by Lan- to breaking down barriers that hold us back Hillman Frazier, state senator dros Jones. so that education and job prospects are never II, state senator Special theatrical performanc- limited by things like race, economic status, Robert Jackson, state senator es throughout the concert will be and zip code.” , state senator presented by the award winning Joining the Hillary for Mississippi Leader- , state senator drama group, MADDRAMA of ship Council are the following individuals: , state senator Jackson State University, direct- Bennie Thompson, congressman Willie Simmons, state senator ed by Mark Henderson, director Rickey Cole, DNC member Angela Turner, state senator of theatre and associate profes- Vallena Greer, DNC member Tammy Witherspoon, state senator sor at JSU. William Winter, former governor Percy Bland, mayor of Meridian For the last 10 years, the Ronnie Musgrove, former governor Johnny Dupree, mayor of Hattiesburg Canton Gospel Music Associa- The program is free but an of- For more information, call Dick Molpus, former secretary of state George Flaggs, mayor of Vicksburg tion has awarded more than 100 fering will be collected to sup- Cynthia Goodloe Palmer, found- , state representative Connie Moran, mayor of Ocean Springs music scholarships to aspiring port the scholarship fund. All er/president at (601) 918-7809, Willie L. Bailey, state representative Jason Shelton, mayor of Tupelo musical grade school and high checks should be made payable Jearlean Jones at (601) 668- Earle S. Banks, state representative Errick Simmons, mayor of Greenville school students from the Madi- to the Canton Gospel Music As- 8563 or Erma Cole at (601) 859- Christopher Bell, state representative Parker Wiseman, mayor of Starkville son County School District. sociation. 5002. Edward Blackmon, state representative Tony Yarber, mayor of Jackson , state representative James Young, yayor of Philadelphia Credell Calhoun, state representative Gloria Williamson, former state senator Kimberly Campbell, State Representative Mary H. Coleman, former state representative Buckley offers prayer to Senate Bryant Clark, state representative Bobby Moak, former state representative Alyce Griffin Clarke, state representative Barbara Brooks, rormer mayor of Leland Orlando W. Paden, state representative Charles Tillman, councilman Linda F. Coleman, state representative Leroy Clemons, community leader , state representative Ramel Cotton, community leader , State Representative Tammy Cotton, community leader Michael T. Evans, state representative Danny Cuppit, community leader John G. Faulkner, state representative Charlie Horhn, community leader Karl Gibbs, state representative Crymes Pittman, community leader John W. Hines, state representative Vicki Slater, community leader Steve Holland, state representative Jacqueline Woods, community leader AutoZone recruits through Jobs for Jacksonians immediate access to job op- es and training opportunities Mississippi Link Newswire portunities. to assist participants. The city of Jackson’s Jobs Each week, major compa- In addition to the recruiting for Jacksonians program will nies are invited for the pur- sessions, the program offers hold a recruiting session at 10 pose of interviewing and po- job readiness workshops, job a.m. Feb. 26, in the confer- tentially hiring prospective search and placement assis- ence room of the Department candidates. tance and an annual job fair. of Personnel Management at Jobs for Jacksonians is an Other services, such as as- the Metrocenter Mall. initiative created to provide sistance with writing a pro- AutoZone will recruit ap- accessible information on fessional resume, leadership The Rev. Reginald Buckley, pastor of Cade Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, delivered an opening prayer to plicants interested in manager employment opportunities for and professional develop- the Senate Feb. 19, at the invitation of Mississippi Senate Democratic Caucus Chairman Sen. John Horhn who trainee positions. Jackson residents. ment and interviewing im- led the Pledge of Allegiance after Lt. Gov.Tate Reeves called lawmakers to order. The sessions provide par- For job seekers, this pro- provement techniques, are ticipants in the program with gram offers an array of servic- also available.

The Mississippi Link [USPS 017224] is published weekly TM by The Mississippi Link, Inc. Offices located at 2659 Liv- 2659 Livingston Road • Jackson MS, 39213 The Mississippi Link ingston Road, Jackson, MS 39213. Mailing address is Subscribe TODAY 601-896-0084 • www.mississippilink.com P.O. Box 11307, Jackson, MS 39283-1307 or e-mail us at: [email protected]; Please visit our website Volume 22 • Number 18 at: www.mississippilink.com. Phone: (601) 896-0084, Fax February 25 - March 2, 2016 896-0091, out of state 1-800-748-9747. Periodical Post- © copyright 2016. All rights reserved. age Rate Paid at Jackson, MS. The Mississippi Link Deadline: The deadline for submitting items to be consid- ered for publication is Tuesday at 10 a.m. Name Publisher...... Jackie Hampton Editor...... Shanderia K. Posey Subscriptions are $32 per year; $64 for two years or $96 Address for three years. Online Editor...... Lonnie Ross City, State, Zip Religion Editor...... 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Order a subscription for a friend! www.mississippilink.com FEBRUARY 25 - MARCH 2, 2016 THE MISSISSIPPI LINK • 7A Lester Elementary History of Kirksey Middle School From Jackson Public Schools Henry J. celebrates Black History Kirksey, born in Lee Coun- Mississippi Link Newswire edy as a result of a car accident ty, Miss. in “Strengthening American Cul- that left him paralyzed in his up- 1915, is the ture through Empowering Black per thighs. His message seemed namesake Youth” was the theme for Les- to motivate his young listeners for Kirksey ter Elementary School’s annual as he reminded them that their Middle Black History Month program accomplishments in life could Kirksey School. He Feb. 17. one day be our black history. was an outspoken civil rights Kirksey Middle School Business leaders, politicians, Principal DeLacy Bridges activist. He was one of the first attorneys, parents and local gave accolades to Emma Harris African Americans elected to the tral, he joined Alpha Phi Alpha By the 1960s, Kirksey had dignitaries were in attendance. for having chaired the program. Mississippi Senate after the Re- fraternity, earned a bachelors become deeply involved in the There was standing room only Harris, who handles in-school construction era in Mississippi’s degree, and played football well Civil Rights Movement, work- in the school’s auditorium when suspensions, has chaired BHM history. enough to get elected to the Uni- ing with the Lawyers’ Commit- the program took flight with a programs at Lester for more than In 1965, Kirksey, a plan- versity’s Sports Hall of Fame. tee for Civil Rights Under Law welcome by first-grade student William Merritt presents plaque to 15 years. Bridges announced ning consultant, challenged the As a result of World War II, and other state and local orga- Brylor Bryant followed by third- Emma Harris that Harris, after 29 years with countywide election of state Kirksey’s education was inter- nizations. He gathered data that grade scholars performing their JPS, will be retiring this school legislators. His lawsuit led to rupted for several years. While was used by the NAACP legal rendition of the Negro spiritual state Capitol police officer, had term. Harris was moved when the adoption of single-member in the military, he rose to the Defense Fund to document the “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” audience participants clapping William Merritt, chief academic legislative districts in 1979. A rank of major. Based upon his separate and unequal conditions Students of Lester showcased and swaying as he sang Marvin officer for Elementary Schools at retired Tougaloo College profes- intelligence, he could have risen in the public schools in the state. their various talents to include Gaye’s “What’s Going On.” JPS, surprised her with a plaque sor, Kirksey died at the age of 90 even higher had it not been for This, in turn, helped to win the Black History facts, poetry and Motivational speaker Anto- commending her for the excep- on Dec. 9, 2005. his strong advocacy on behalf of Mississippi school desegrega- music. Fourth-grader Jakayla nio V. Wright, founder of Metro tional job she had done over the He was the primary plaintiff other black soldiers. He never tion case, Holmes County vs. Jones received a standing ova- Area Empowerment, Inc., rap- years with the Black History to bring Mississippi in com- regretted his actions, however, Alexander, in 1969. tion after her poem of “On Ag- idly rolled across the floor in programs. pliance with the 1965 Voting because he was following his He developed skills as a car- ing” by Maya Angelou and his wheelchair after being intro- Two years ago, Merritt served Rights Act. The election of more conscience. tographer, lithographer and de- APAC student Alexandria Deans duced by fifth-grader Coreyun as principal of Lester. He said, than 600 African Americans to In 1946, he married Audrie mographics analyst; becoming received an ovation after her Patterson. Wright encouraged “Harris has done an awesome public office in the state can be Mann of Oklahoma City and to a certified demographics analyst melody of songs on keyboard. the students to make the most job chairing the BHM programs credited in part to Kirksey’s ser- them three children were born – and photographer as a result of The Lester staff singers, di- of their time beginning by first at Lester over the years.” vice as a plantiff and expert wit- Henry Jr., Karin and Kevin. and for the purposes of civil rected by Anthony Smith, reciting a poem which told the When Bridges became princi- ness and community organizer. After his stint in the military rights litigation. brought the audience to their feet story of his life as a popular high pal, Merritt told her that Harris After filing a lawsuit, the City and the completion of his edu- He ran for the Mississippi during their performance and school and college football play- must continue to chair the BHM of Jackson changed its form of cation, he became a journalist. State Senate (1972), governor guest soloist, Danny Staffney, a er that one day turned to a trag- programs at Lester. government to the system now He worked for the Los Angeles (1975), the United States Sen- in operation. Sentinel, founded a newspaper ate (1978), the Mississippi State Kirksey was the son of in the Greensboro/High Point/ Senate (1979), the United States Charles S. and Neddie Puller Winston-Salem North Carolina Congress (1980), Jackson may- Kirksey. He was the fourth of area. He edited the Mississippi or (1981), the Mississippi Sen- eight children. He attended the Free Press, edited the Mississip- ate (1983), lieutenant governor public schools of Lee County, pi Teachers’ Association Jour- (1987), Jackson mayor (1989), but graduated from Vashon High nal, and eventually, the Kirksey lieutenant governor (1991), and School in Saint Louis, Mo., Report, later called, the Truth. Jackson mayor (1993). where he was a star football In the meantime, President Although he was elected to player. After graduating, he at- Jacob Reddix, of Jackson State only the State Senate, he raised tended North Carolina Central College, urged him to come to critical issues in each race and University on a football schol- Mississippi to help start a credit served as an advocate for rela- arship, majoring in economics. union for teachers in the Hinds tively voiceless and powerless Invited guests with speaker Antonio Wright (center) PHOTO BY RACHEL MIDDLETON While at North Carolina Cen- County area. people. EDUCATION

8A • THE MISSISSIPPI LINK FEBRUARY 25 - MARCH 2, 2016 www.mississippilink.com Vicksburg Mayor George Black History Month: Flaggs Jr. speaks at Alcorn MSU students, faculty reflect By Zack Plair Black History lecture Mississippi State University Brittney Robinson represents Mississippi Link Newswire more than herself as she pursues The Office of Pre-Profes- her degree at Mississippi State. sional and Honors Curricu- A sophomore communication lum Programs Black History major with an emphasis in the- Lecture Series program was atre, the Ackerman native and held Feb. 18 at the J. D. Boyd valedictorian of her high school Library Auditorium. Vicks- class is the first from her house- burg Mayor George Flaggs Jr. hold to attend college. She said served as the keynote speaker she wants to make her family for this program. and community proud. Beyond The theme for the program that, Robinson, who is African- was “Succeeding Through Ad- American, wants to proudly rep- versity.” The program was an resent her race. examination of the adversity, “I want to be a role model challenges and outcomes of for young black people to show African Americans. Flaggs ad- George Flaggs Jr. speaking at ASU Black History Lecture Series them they can be anything they dressed his leadership and ex- want to be and that college is an periences with our students. He the opportunity to pursue a col- Dr. Wandra Arrington, as- option,” she said. reflected on and recognized the lege degree. We should take sistant director of the Hon- Sometimes, Robinson admit- accomplishments and contri- the time to learn more about ors Curriculum Program, ex- ted, the pressure of trying to butions that African Americans our history and the sacrifices plained why Flaggs’ speech be that role model can become have made at Alcorn, the state our ancestors made so that we was beneficial to the students. heavy. But she said months of Mississippi and throughout could live a better life.” “This activity provided the like February, when Americans history. Keeping in mind we In the conclusion of his students the opportunity to ap- observe Black History Month, not only want to remember, but speech, Flaggs inspired the preciate Mayor Flaggs’ fight galvanize her purpose and push also acknowledge our unfin- students to strive to accom- for justice through his com- her to try even harder with her ished work. plish their goals while keeping mitment, dedication and life studies. Brittney Robinson, a sophomore communication major from Acker- Flaggs emphasized the im- the legacy of their forefathers experiences,” said Arrington. “Knowledge is power,” she man, takes pride in her African-American heritage and said that Black portance of education and how alive. “Also, we have the opportu- said. “You have to know where History Month reminds her to push herself to be a mentor for others. pioneering black leaders of the “I want you to know that you nity to continue in a positive, you’ve been before you know PHOTO BY MEGAN BEAN past paved the way for black are a part of black history. You progressive direction as we where you are going.” youth and young adults to all are the future business lead- work to address the changing More than 200 years after the ent and instead focus on how matters in society. Once people prosper today. ers, entrepreneurs and deci- needs of Mississippi’s chil- nation’s founding, 150 years af- they are alike. start to see each other as sim- “People should recognize sion makers who will continue dren, schools, and communi- ter a U.S. constitutional amend- Specifically, he warns against ply humans instead of “black,” how important education is,” the legacy of our forefathers. ties. Let’s continue to take the ment abolished slavery and half employing race as a value stan- “white” or “other,” he said the said Flaggs. “If it weren’t Soon, you all will be graduates time to reflect on where we’ve a century since the legal end to dard for humanity or a rally- social construct of racial divi- for those who fought for our who will go out and make your been and commit to serving the racial segregation, celebrating ing cry for action. He suggests sion will begin to lose its power. rights, none of us would have marks on society.” needs of all.” Black History remains impor- instead a “balanced view” that That process starts with love. tant, said Stephen Middleton, makes it clear that skin tone has “Even a dog, who is scared, professor and director of Afri- nothing to do with what people has been beaten and starved, re- can-American studies at MSU. can achieve if they are afforded sponds to love,” he said. “Why For him, it’s not specific to race. opportunity. Black history stud- can’t we do this for human be- Canton Public Schools Rather, it’s a reflection of the na- ies, he said, provide a wealth of ings?” tion’s social progress. examples of people who proved Meanwhile, Robinson presses “It’s a celebration of what just that. on, scared to fail and determined salutes Supt. Williams it means to be Americans, not “The color of skin is one not to. She knows relatives and just African Americans, and it of many problems civiliza- friends who dropped out of col- speaks to the freedoms we have tion struggles with, but it’s not lege, and she feels that puts that as a nation,” he said. “What the only one,” Middleton said. much more of a charge on her to Highlights her dedication to serving children you see are stories of our na- “When we insert race into our finish. tion’s evolution that illustrate dialogue, we are automatically Ultimately, she dreams of Mississippi Link Newswire how society can blossom to one making it combative and polar- being a professional singer or Cassandra Williams has that will expand, enlarge and in- izing when it doesn’t have to someone who works in televi- spent more than 20 years in clude.” be. Our society needs a policy sion production. Whenever she the field of education. Educat- Middleton acknowledges the of non-discrimination (to assure gets to where she’s headed, she ing children is what she loves. racial inequalities of the past, as equal opportunities), but what I said she will have a degree from Williams has served in a num- well as instances of discrimina- believe we will discover as we MSU on her wall – for herself, ber of leadership capacities tion – racial and otherwise – that continue to progress and evolve her family, her community and throughout her career. persist today. Truly moving for- is the oneness of humanity.” her race – regardless of the chal- She began her career as a ward from those issues, he said, He encourages people of all lenges that lay ahead. mathematics teacher. Soon will come when people stop races to challenge their think- “I want to feel like I did my after, she began an aggressive looking at how they are differ- ing as to why skin color even part,” she said. climb through the leadership ranks serving as mathematics specialists, director of second- ary curriculum and instruc- tion, director of curriculum Myrlie Evers-Williams guest speaker and instruction for K-12, prin- cipal and assistant superinten- dent. for Armstrong-Branch Lecture March 8 As principal at Davis Mag- By David Tisdale net School, Williams led her by its board of directors in con- University of Southern Mississippi school from a level three sta- junction with the 50th anniver- tus to a level five status in The widow of a civil rights sary of Evers’ assassination. In just two years. Davis Magnet movement icon who continues addition to her work at Alcorn School was labeled a “Blue work advocating for racial equal- State, she is an active author, lec- Ribbon School” as a result of ity and social justice will be the turer and educator. the successful academic gains guest speaker for The University The Armstrong-Branch Lec- under Williams’ leadership. of Southern Mississippi’s 2016 ture series was established in She attributes her success as a Armstrong-Branch Lecture. honor of Gwendolyn Armstrong school leader to the following: Myrlie Evers-Williams, chair- and Raylawni Branch, the Uni- • A clear focus on using data woman of the Medgar & Myrlie versity’s first African-American to drive instructional deci- Evers Institute and scholar-in- students. The two broke the sions school-wide Cassandra Williams residence at Alcorn State Uni- color barrier at Southern Miss • On-going collaboration versity in Lorman will speak at when they enrolled in Septem- with staff, parents, commu- Williams led the curriculum setting committees for state 7 p.m. March 8 at Bennett Audi- ber 1965. nity and promoting strong pa- and instruction process for 58 testing and accountability. torium on the University’s Hat- Myrlie Evers-Williams “It’s a high honor to have a rental involvement schools in the district. She also Williams believes that once tiesburg campus. Admission is person of Mrs. Evers’ caliber to • Implementing student in- served as assistant superinten- an educator commits to teach- free and the event is open to the side her husband in the civil speak at this important annual tervention practices (academic dent for elementary schools ing, he/she has a moral, ethi- public. rights movement and follow- event,” said Dr. Eddie Holloway, and behavior) that supported where she supervised 19 out cal and professional responsi- was a promi- ing his death continued their dean of students at USM. struggling learners of 38 elementary schools. In bility to provide the very best nent leader in the Mississippi work. She was one of the first “The service and death of • Embracing and imple- that role, she supervised 19 educational experience for all civil rights movement in the African-American women to Medgar Evers, along with her menting best practices such as principals and led the man- children. 1950s and early 1960s in Mis- run for Congress, worked as an work with him and following common planning, common agement of instruction, school She is dedicated to serv- sissippi, serving as the state’s executive in the private sector his passing, are pivotal in the assessment and extensive les- operations and other pertinent ing children. She has “hit the first field secretary of the Na- for Selligman and Latz, Inc. and American civil rights movement. son planning areas in the schools division. ground running,” working tional Association for the Ad- Atlantic Richfield Company and We stand on their shoulders each • Securing highly qualified Williams has also worked as with teachers, principals, par- vancement of Colored People. was later elected chairperson of day as we work to continue their staff that were dedicated to a Mississippi Department of ents, and community leaders Assassinated outside his home the NAACP. legacy.” teaching children. Education trainer for the Mis- to increase student achieve- in Jackson on June 12, 1963 his In 2012, she became the first For more information on this After serving as principal, sissippi Mathematics Frame- ment for all children in the murder prompted President John woman and layperson to give the event, contact the Southern Miss Williams was appointed to work, Mississippi Framer Canton Public School District. F. Kennedy to seek a comprehen- invocation at a presidential inau- Dean of Students Office at (601) serve as assistant superinten- Training, Understanding by Williams is married to An- sive civil rights bill, which was guration. 266-6028. dent for curriculum and in- Design Training, Response to thony Williams. They are the later signed into law by President In 1998, she founded the Med- For information about the struction in the Jackson Public Intervention Training and has proud parents of one daughter, Lyndon Johnson. gar Evers Institute, later named Medgar & Myrlie Evers Institute, School District. In this role, served on numerous standards Peyton Williams. Evers-Williams worked along- for both her and her late husband visit http://eversinstitute.org/. www.mississippilink.com FEBRUARY 25 - MARCH 2, 2016 THE MISSISSIPPI LINK • 9A NEWS FROM THE WORD A Perspective on Black History and the Church

By Rev. A. C. Carter great people have done great Special to The Mississippi Link Learning to Love God things in our race and for our Verily, verily, I say unto you, race. Our youth need to know By Rev. Leon Collier this question for us: “That you Deuteronomy 30:20 says store some things we lost in He that believeth on me, the that they are somebody and they Special to The Mississippi Link may love the Lord your God, long life is at stake. If you do the past if we learn to love Him works that I do shall he do also; can do all things through Christ Before return- and obey His voice that you not learn to love God with all with all of our hearts. and greater works than these that gives them the strength. ing to our se- may cleave unto Him: for He is of your heart, you will shorten (Deuteronomy 30:6 tells us - shall he do; because I go unto Just as important, there are so ries, “Learning your life, and the length of thy your life expectancy. If you “God will purge all your wick- my Father. (John 14:12 KJV) many that have gone away that to Love God,” days…that you may dwell in love God with all of your ed affections, a thing that is As we reflect on events of made a tremendous impact in I want to end the land which the Lord prom- heart, He not only extends your not in your own power to do.” our past that have collectively our history. I am encouraged to this month’s ised…” life, but when you are pressed God will do verse 6, if you do been summed up to be known as know that our youth can do even celebration by According to this verse, down, He will restore your life, verse 2, “…obey His voice ac- Black History Month, I would greater things that have already paying homage to all of our three things are at stake: and He will sweeten your life cording to all that I command like to challenge young people been done if, just like the dis- African-American descendants A) Incomparable life-(He to make it a good experience. you today, you and your sons, to know that just as there have ciples that received the farewell and to thank God for their pres- is your life). Where does life C) Given an unshakable/se- with all your heart, and with all been many to make history, they speech, they would only believe ence and love in our lives. come from? From God, so cure life (that you may dwell in your soul…” Verse 6, is the cli- can be history makers too. Be- in Jesus. Believing in Jesus not Love continues to be our when we love Him with all the land). max of how we can come to the cause there is nothing new under only frees them from their fears focus. Today we will discuss our hearts, we experience life, A secure life is another thing place to love God with all of the sun, there is always an op- but it also gives them the source how we can help ourselves get love, happiness, contentment, that is at stake if we don’t learn our hearts. God will purge all portunity to do great things as from within to go as far as God’s to the point where we love God peace that passes all under- to love God with all our heart. our wicked affections, a thing long as they believe. will allows. If you know any- with all our heart, soul and standing. We can experience The Hebrew word for dwell that is not in our own power to This verse came to mind be- thing about God, you should strength. Deuteronomy 30:1-6 life on a level that those out- is yashab which means to sit do. Being fully committed is cause I notice how Jesus told know that He has no limits. tells us how. side of Christ cannot. down in peace/quiet. Anything the only price that is sufficient His disciples that they would In closing, encourage our No. 1. Seriously consider In Luke 12:23, Jesus said “Is outside of Christ is sinking to get you to the place to love do greater things than He did if youth, even in times like these, what is at stake. Deuteronomy not life more than food…” The sand. We work so hard to try to God with all of your heart. they only believed in Him. This that they can believe in Jesus; 30:1, “…when all these things Greek word for more is pleion, establish stability in our lives. Loving God with all our portion of the gospel of John’s they can believe in themselves; come upon you, the blessing which means more in quantity We save money if we can, we hearts is attainable: Deuter- writing is known as the Fare- and they can do great things. and the curse, which I have set or quality. Life itself cannot try to budget our money wise- onomy 30:11, “For this com- well Discourse. In other words, Rev. Alvin Christoper before you, and you call them be reduced to the clothes you ly, and work hard to build a fu- mandment which I command John recorded Jesus’ going away De’Mond Carter is an associ- to mind among all the nations wear, the money you have, the ture for ourselves, but outside you today is not hidden from speech as He prepared for the ate minister and primary divi- where the Lord your God has job you go to and other worldly of Christ, nothing is stable or you, neither is it far off.” After cross. Now usually, in a farewell sion director with the Sunday driven you.” The Lord proph- things. secure. God had given His command- speech, a person is preparing School at Pilgrim Rest M. B. esied to Israel and told them There is joy in the Lord apart No. 2. Be dedicated to living ments, He let them know that those around for their departure; Church – Madison. He received that they would experience from material things. Nehemi- in obedience to God: they were not hard to under- however, in this case, although his education through the Madi- both curses and blessings due ah 8:10, “Then he said to them, Deuteronomy 30:2, “and stand, they were not out of Jesus is physically departing, He son County School District, to their obedience and disobe- go your way, and enjoy life, shall return to the Lord your reach. is also preparing them for not Tougaloo College and Missis- dience. eat and drink sweet beverages God and shall obey His voice Deuteronomy 30:19 says, “I only His return but His replace- sippi College. He has studied As we reflect on what God and make sure to give some to according to all that I com- call heaven and earth to wit- ment. at the Mississippi Baptist Semi- said to Israel, we must keep in the poor; for this day is holy mand you today, you and your ness against you this day that Jesus promised that when He nary College and received class mind that if we live in obedi- to our Lord. Do not sorrow, sons, with all your heart, and I have set before you life and goes home to His Father, He will training through the National ence to God’s word, we will for the joy of the Lord is your with all your soul.” death, the blessing and the send another comforter or the Baptist Congress of Christian be blessed, but if we disobey, strength.” Being fully dedicated is lov- curse: therefore choose life, Holy Spirit in His place. This Education. Ordained on July we will be cursed. Obviously, In Nehemiah 8:9, the people ing God with all of your heart. that you may live, you and comforter is also known as the 13, 2015 under the leadership obedience is certainly the key wept because of their sins af- If you are fully committed to your seed.” paraclete or an advocate for those of Matthew Canada, he is cur- to learning to love God. If you ter hearing the word of God. serving the Lord and using Rev. Leon Collier is the pas- that believe. Now what was so rently enrolled at Liberty Uni- are not obedient to God’s word They had been gone for 70 your spiritual gifts and if you tor of Makarios Worship Cen- wonderful was that this was not versity pursuing a Master of then you will not love Him years and had returned from have denied yourself and taken ter, 464 Church Road, Madi- an ordinary farewell; this was an Arts in Theological Studies & with your whole heart. Babylon where they probably up your cross then you love son. He and wife, Minister extraordinary farewell. What was Biblical Studies degree. He is Seriously, think about what’s were able to get much word God with your whole heart, Yolanda Collier, are the proud “extra” was Jesus was physically happily married to KaLandra at stake. If you learn to love because there was no Temple. then you love God with all of parents of three daughters: leaving but spiritually staying. Of M. Carter. They are the proud God with all of your heart and Therefore, once they returned your heart. Noel, Leona and Leondria. all the healing and helping that parents of three daughters. Pres- obey Him, blessings await you. to Jerusalem after re-building The results of full commit- Rev. Collier has received de- had ever been recorded that Jesus ently, he is employed at Touga- If you rebel, curses await you the walls they wanted to fi- ment: grees from Criswell College performed, He told His disciples loo College, where he serves and you will never know what nally hear the word of God You will recover that which in Dallas, Texas; Southern that if they believed in Him, the as program assistant under the it is like to love God with your again, but when they heard it, was lost (Deuteronomy 30:3- Methodist University – Per- works that they do would be Title III Program/Curriculum whole heart. You will never they were convicted and wept 5)- Joel 2:25, “And I will re- kins School of Theology; and greater than His because they Enhancement, the Fellowship of know the joy, and the peace profusely. Nehemiah told them store to you the years which the a Masters of Divinity from would have Him on the inside Christian Athletes Campus Rep- and wisdom in loving God that they should enjoy them- swarming locust has eaten…” Memphis Theological Semi- working through them. resentative and the Champions with all of your heart. selves because God’s joy was The people had lost stuff be- nary; as well as participated in Now, the reason this captured of Character Coordinator for What’s at stake if we don’t their strength. cause of their sins, but if they the Theological Opportunities my attention is because so many the Department of Athletics. love God with all of our hearts? B) An extension of life (by repent God would restore some Program at Harvard Divinity Deuteronomy 30:20 answers Him will your days be long) things. Likewise, God will re- School in Cambridge, Mass. Message from the REIGNING ANNOUNCEMENTS Religion Editor

By Daphne Higgins of color were usually claimed by Religion Editor New Hope Baptist Church, 5202 Watkins Dr., Road, Flora, will host its Annual Men’s Day Service those of another race and that Jackson, Black History Committee will end its fifth at 2 p.m. Feb. 28. The program theme is “Now As we close initially, if it were not for “word annual “Back in the Day” Black History Celebration We Are New.” For more information call (601) 853- out this celebrat- of mouth,” there would be no ed period of ob- black history to share. for February 2016 at 6 p.m. Feb. 25, in the Fam- 3100. The Rev. Glenn Dale Robinson is the pastor. servation, Black Well, now, we as a people ily Life Center – Gymnasium. The “Grand Finale’ History Month, have far greater options avail- I would like to able to us to share the wonderful guest speaker will be Keith A. Beauchamp, a New New Jerusalem Church, North Campus, all cam- again thank those contributions that our sisters and York, NY filmmaker and producer, featuring MAD- puses, Jackson, will host Friends and Family Day who came before us as servants brothers are providing to others. of justice, equality, and love – Don’t let the month leave and DRAMA’s production of “The Untold Story of Em- Feb. 28. Services will be held at 7:30 a.m. and our forefathers. The challenges the lessons learned leave with it. mett Till. For more information call (601) 981-8696 10:30 a.m. at the North Campus; 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. that were before them remain Celebrate black history every or (601) 366-7002. Dr. Jerry Young is the pastor. at the South Campus, 1285 Raymond Road; and unimaginable today but, yet, day. Rejoice in the pains and they preserved. joys that have made us, as a race, 10:30 a.m. at the Midtown Campus, 1110 Noel St. There are so many of our a proud people. Share our news College Hill M.B. Church, 1600 Florence Ave., For more information call (601) 954-0286 or (601) ancestors of a darker hue who but most importantly, share our blazed trails that went unnoticed love for mankind. Jackson, will host its Annual Black Heritage Ban- 206-5844. The Rev. Dwayne K. Pickett, Sr. is pastor. for many years. But thanks to an Continue to share as we have quet Feb. 27. MADDRAMA Performance Troupe, astute man, Carter G. Woodson, learned from Isaiah 52:7 (NIV) under the direction of Dr. Mark Henderson, will be Triumph the Church and Kingdom of God in their stories are being shared. which reads: “How beautiful Because of his successful efforts on the mountains are the feet performing at the banquet. MADDRAMA will be Christ, 5302 Queen Mary Lane, Jackson, will to make sure that the life stories of those who bring good news, performing “Take Me Back.” Highlights of the eve- end its Black History Month Celebration during its and achievements of African who proclaim peace, who bring Americans were not only docu- good tidings, who proclaim sal- ning will include a Silent Auction, presentation of regular worship service Feb. 28. The attire for wor- mented, but that black peoples’ vation, who say to Zion, Your the Samuel L. Bailey Scholarship and the College shippers during the final service, “I Represent my names are secured on a long list God reigns!” of names with others who have The Mississippi Link, a mes- Hill Black Achiever Award, and a delicious soul food Heritage,” is African garb. For more information helped to build America. senger for news in and around meal prepared by our Hostess Ministry. Tickets are call (601) 922-8250. Elder Martha Gibson is the Over the years, Black History the state of Mississippi, would $15 each. The banquet will begin at 6:30 p.m., but shepherd. Month has evolved into a month like to serve as your personal of educational opportunities for messenger to share your news arrive at 5:30 p.m. to browse the Silent Auction people of every color and as the and the news of your places of items prior to the start of the program. For more Victory Family Church, 6725 I-55 South Frontage celebration continues to grow. worship and visits. We all know that for hundreds Contact Daphne M. Higgins information call (601) 355-2670. Rev. Michael T. Road, Byram, will host Virtual Girl Talk oat 3 p.m. of years the contributions of at religion@mississippilink. Williams is the pastor. Feb. 28. For more information call (601) 372-2122 people of African descent were com. Fax 601-896-0091 or mail or visit - http://www.VFCBYRAM.org. Pastor and not a part of documented his- your information to The Mis- tory. We also know that the ac- sissippi Link, 2659 Livingston Mount Olive M. B. Church, 111 Mt. Olive Church co-pastor are James and Maretta Nichols. complishments made by anyone Road, Jackson, MS 39213. 10A • THE MISSISSIPPI LINK FEBRUARY 25 - MARCH 2, 2016 www.mississippilink.com PRESERVED Heaven or Hell – Measuring your faith Your Choice By Shewanda Riley very physically active person, ample, we could make goals for of our spiritual maturity as well Columnist Part II the information is especially daily steps of faith and when we as the depth of our spirituality. One of my helpful and keeps me focused on meet those goals, our FaithBit One daily step of faith might be By Pastor Simeon R. Green III sus) profess unto them, I never Christmas gifts my health goals. Even more ex- would let us know in some tan- as simple as being consistent in Special to The Mississippi Link knew you, depart from me, last year was a citing for me is that when I reach gible way (text message, wrist our time of prayer and devotion. Life is filled ye that work iniquity.” Many FitBit tracker. my daily step goal, I earn badges vibration etc.). Having these re- Matthew 17:20 says “… Truly with many ques- will be turned away because Like so many that show up on my FitBit dash- minders would help us see that I tell you, if you have faith as tions and transi- sin was still in their lives. Hell others, my goal board. we actually take more steps of small as a mustard seed, you tions. The future awaits those who are pretend- in using the Fit- One thing I realize by wear- faith every day than we realize. can say to this mountain, ‘Move is filled with ing and professing to be saved. Bit was to track my daily steps, ing the FitBit is that I actually Perhaps by knowing how many from here to there,’ and it will doubts and wor- The apostle Paul shares in improve my health and possibly take more steps every day than steps we take (big and small), move. Nothing will be impos- ries. In a few 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 these lose weight. What I didn’t real- I thought. And by knowing how we’d be encouraged to take even sible for you.” This scripture re- months we will elect a new words, “Know ye not that the ize until I began using it was that many steps I take, it encourages bigger steps of faith and see that minds us that it is important to president/vice president of unrighteous shall not inherit it tracked more than just how me to take even more steps ev- the more steps of faith we take, take steps of faith no matter how the United States of America. the Kingdom of God? Be not many steps I took each day. ery day. the stronger our faith becomes. big or small. It’s not the size of Again, we are reminded that deceived: neither fornicators, Once I downloaded and After feeling the vibration on Just like the seemingly small the step that you take, it’s that the world is filled with people nor idolaters, nor adulterers, opened up the application on my my wrist when I reached my dai- steps we take every day physi- you take a step of faith. who have lost interest in the nor effeminate, nor abusers computer, I was amazed at how ly step goal one day, I thought cally have potentially large im- Shewanda Riley is the author word of God. of themselves with mankind, many other things it tracked in- about how cool it would be if pacts on our overall health, the of the Essence best-seller “Love The Apostle Paul reminds nor thieves, nor covetous, nor cluding how many miles each there were a device that could similarly small steps of faith we Hangover: Moving From Pain and warns us in Galatians 6:7- drunkards, nor revilers, nor day I walked, how the number track our daily steps of faith. take every day can also poten- to Purpose after a Relation- 8, “Do not be deceived, God extortioners, shall inherit the of steps I took translated into Like the FitBit activity tracker, tially have large impacts on our ship Ends.” She can be reached is not mocked; for whatever Kingdom of God.” calories burned as well as how it could help us see how these spiritual health. These steps of at [email protected], at a man sows, that he will also My friends, there is coming many minutes I was active each daily steps of faith impact the faith impact our spiritual matu- www.shewandariley.com or www. reap. For he who sows to his a judgment day when all peo- day. Since I’ve never been a other areas of our lives. For ex- rity, spiritual growth, the level anointedauthorsontour.com. flesh will of the flesh reap cor- ple shall stand before God and ruption, but he who sows to give an account of our deeds. the spirit will of the spirit reap We will be judged by God’s everlasting life.” This is God’s holy and divine word. We are principle and rule that deals told that at the name of Jesus The Top 10 Gospel Songs from the Billboard with life. We better be careful every knee will bow and every what we do and what we sow. tongue will confess that Jesus The gospel of Matthew 24:4- Christ is Lord (Read Philippi- 5 reads, “And Jesus answered ans 2:9-11). Jesus said if, we Gospel Charts for the week of February 25 and said unto them, take heed would follow Him and be His that no man deceive you. For disciples, then we would know many shall come in My Name, the truth and the truth would saying, I am Christ; and shall make us free. SONGS ARTISTS ALBUM deceive many.” My friends, The holy Bible is a precious the word of God leads to godly book of love and truth which 1.Wanna Be Happy? Kirk Franklin and holy living. If we Chris- tells us how to live right in tians are to live a holy life, we holiness. Paul shares and de- 2. Worth Anthony Brown & group therAPy must know, believe, obey and scribes in Titus 2:11-12, “The love God’s holy and divine grace of God that bringeth 3. Intentional Travis Greene word. We must know and live salvation hath appeared to all 4. 123 Victory Kirk Franklin the gospel of Jesus Christ. men, teaching us that, deny- Remember, if we are rooted ing ungodliness and worldly 5. I Luh God Erica Campbell Featuring Big Shizz and grounded in Christ, the lusts, we should live soberly, devil will not be able to deceive 6. I’m Good Tim Bowman Jr. righteously, and godly, in this us. One of the greatest tricks of present world.” Take heed! 7. Yes You Can Marvin Sapp the enemy is to deceive people Rev. Simeon R. Green III is into thinking you can sin and pastor of Joynes Road Church 8. Put A Praise On It Tasha Cobbs Featuring Kierra Sheard go to heaven. Sin can never en- of God, 31 Joynes Road, Hamp- 9. I’m Yours Casey J ter heaven. No, we can’t live as ton VA 23669. He is married sinners and still go to heaven. to Velma L. Green. He honor- 10. Thank You Jesus (That’s What He’s Done) Kim Burrell We must not be deceived or led ably served in the U.S. Army astray. We are to stand on the for 20 years. He is a member word of God always. of the National Association of To listen to snippets of these songs, please visit billboard.com/charts/gospel-song In Matthew 7:23, Jesus said Evangelism Church of God, that there would be many peo- Anderson, Ind. He serves as ple that would be turned away chairman of the Southeastern at the judgment. It reads as Association of The Church of Moving the Masses Toward the Mission of the Master follow: “And then will I (Je- God, Inc.

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www.mississippilink.com FEBRUARY 25 - MARCH 2, 2016 THE MISSISSIPPI LINK • 11A My head says Hillary, my heart says Bernie By Julianne Malveaux Hillary Clinton, but my heart is her secondary role, blunder- a double-edged sword. I cringe Clinton winning primaries toe- porters to remain involved, even NNPA Columnist with Sen. . I real- ing as she tried to offer clarity whenever she says, “I am wom- to-toe. Who would have thought after Hillary wins the Demo- I am looking ize that he has promised every- around health care, soaring as an,” or “the only woman,” or that an unhinged demagogue, cratic nomination. And I’m sad forward to Nov. thing and hasn’t shared how he she provided rhetorical leader- some reference to her clear self- Trump, would suck much of the that a woman who might knock 8, 2016, and to might pay for much of it – free ship on women and children’s evident gender. But I also cringe air out of the Republican space, it out of the park can also be voting for Hillary tuition, universal health care, or issues. when the gender-bashers seem leaving babbling bumblers to kicked to the curb if this cam- Rodham Clin- Wall Street reform. Still, his en- Since the Clintons left the incapable of interpreting her confuse adhominum ignorance paign becomes corrosive. ton to lead these ergetic bluster has been a galva- White House, she has been words and her work fairly. with issues? The collective Congressman Stephanie United States. I nizing factor in a race that might nimble and focused as a sena- That’s not why I’ll vote for performance of the Republican Tubbs Jones was a sorority sis- am so extremely excited that a otherwise have been seen as a tor, managing to make friends Hillary, though. I’ll vote for her team could not equal that of ter (Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, woman of character, experience cakewalk or a coronation. in both political parties, and because she is a center-left mod- either Sanders or Clinton, but of course), and a fierce legisla- and discernment can lead our Clinton needs to be pushed managing to provide solid in- erate (Sanders is not in charge those R’s keep slogging on. To tor. She stuck by Clinton in 2008 nation. Even as I look forward as hard as Sanders can push ternational leadership as Secre- of who gets to be a progressive, what end? Do we really want even after then Sen. Barack to the November vote, I am fully her. And even though Sanders tary of State. Were she a man, and I really don’t care as much a President who will trash talk Obama entered the presidential enjoying the path to November. says he does not care about her would she be judged as harshly about labels as about outcomes) Putin, Mexico and the United race and earned the endorsement Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders “damn e-mails,” the e-mail con- because some find her “unlike- who will pragmatically work Nations? Do we want sons of and support of many “main- has provided tone and texture versation has to remind Clinton able?” Would her every facial toward social and economic immigrants who so vilely disre- stream” African Americans. to this race. He has forced Sen. that she has to figure out ways expression be parsed? Would justice. She isn’t perfect and spect their ancestors that they’d Jones and Clinton had “heart” Clinton to hone her positions to restore trust among those who opponents feel free to comment may, indeed, be fundamentally offer punitive possibilities for with each other. As a woman, on health care, Wall Street and support her positions but look on her marital business? flawed (as most politicians are), citizenship? Clinton can’t out shout Sand- income inequality. He came askance at the ways she has Thrice-married but she has been a consistent ad- I’m not really torn between ers without appearing shrill. She so amazingly close to toppling been too frequently presented. has spoken of Bill Clinton’s fi- vocate for the least and the left my head and my heart. I’m can’t out-snide him without ap- her in Iowa that it gave me Post There is an element of sexism delity, but it is documented that out – for children and for elders. simply enjoying the excitement pearing b*tchy. But she can out Dramatic Stress Syndrome. She in this. Clinton has been on the he was a big time philanderer. Is she weak on Wall Street re- of Sanders and the way he has heart him if she channels Jones’ didn’t make my drama hers, national stage for several de- Carly Fiorina says she would form? Absolutely. But as Sand- galvanized young people, espe- energy. Jones was in it to win it. though. She has managed, with cades, from the time her husband have left her husband if he’d ers pushes her, she gets stronger. cially, to become politically en- Julianne Malveaux is an au- stoic dignity, to stake her claim was elected governor of Arkan- cheated like Bill, but we don’t A year ago, many predicted gaged. I am hoping that his com- thor, economist and founder of for this presidency. sas in the 1980s. As First Lady, know that, do we? What we this race as a dynastic smack mitment to the process is such Economic Education. Her latest My head is with Secretary she had to juggle her smarts and know is that Hillary’s gender is down, with Jeb Bush and Hillary that he will encourage his sup- book is “Are We Better Off? Americans must stand up to Putting a value on disrespect of U.S. presidency Black History Month By Lee A. Daniels well-known and unknown, that By Louis C. Ward George Curry Media Columnist president on national television of America looked bright. The make great accomplishments make up the mosaic of blacks’ NNPA Guest Columnist and radio. dream of Dr. Martin Luther for the people he was over- I was catching American past and present show Recently, re- America, when will we King Jr. was realized, and rac- whelmingly elected twice to up recently on my how, at the least, idiotic are the tired Lt. Col stand up to those who disre- ism seemed to be put on hold. represent. reading about the claims that Black History Month Ralph Peters spect Obama, the first African- Unfortunately, there’s always At the end of the day, Amer- newest discover- has outlived its value or that Af- and Stacey American President of United a small group of individuals ica, you may not like the man, ies and specula- rican-American studies is merely Dash, both con- States? Freedom of speech is a within the American populace but you have to respect the tions about the ethnic cheerleading. Those who tributors on Fox constitutional right in America, with a hidden agenda – an Office of the President of the dinosaurs, and make such assertions reveal their News shows, but defamation of character agenda for evil, wickedness United States. It deserves our I thought about Black History own fear of new knowledge that blatantly disrespected Presi- and disrespect is not. We must and the pursuit of fairness, respect, our loyalty and our Month. adds to or challenges or demol- dent on different speak out against impertinence equality and justice for just a support. We must stand up And then in late January, I read ishes the conventional wisdom news shows on national televi- to the United States presidency. few Americans. America and demand that it re- with fascination of the intensify- of the past and present. sion. Lt. Col. Peters called our When the presidency is dis- As soon as Obama won the ceives as much. ing speculation about “Planet In fact, what has occurred has president a “total p**sy,” and respected at home, it sows election, a group of individuals What actions can I truly ex- X – a giant, Jupiter-sized planet fully justified the faith and fore- actress Stacey Dash blurted seeds for foreign countries huddled together and vowed to pect from writing this column? billions of miles beyond Pluto in sight of Carter G. Woodson, the “our president doesn’t give a to disrespect our president as thwart his agenda for change My prerogative as a writer our solar system whose orbit is black American scholar who in sh*t about terrorism.” well. Look at what China and in America. Let’s not be naïve, is to raise the consciousness. so distant from the sun that the 1926 founded what was original- Bill Slieve, senior vice presi- Prime Minister Netanyahu of America, you know exactly Prayerfully, many will step planet’s as yet invisible to even ly called Negro History Week. dent of programming for both Israel said to and about our who I am talking about. Many up and hold anyone account- our most powerful telescopes. Woodson was born in rural networks, announced, “Earlier president. of those individuals are in of- able who chooses to disrespect And I thought, then, too, about Virginia a decade after the Civil today, Fox contributors Lt. Col. When he was first elected fice today. the United States presidency. Black History Month. War; so he grew to adulthood Ralph Peters and Stacey Dash in 2008 on the platform for But that’s politics. And we If one person stands up and For many years now, I’ve al- and middle age during the years made comments on different “Change in America,” televi- all know politics is a nasty agrees to say something or do ways twinned my thinking about when the promise of freedom for programs that were completely sion screens across the nation business. something about the disrespect my two favorite, long-ago child- black Americans was viciously inappropriate and unacceptable showed people, representing In 2009, when President of our president, I have made a hood preoccupations, space and stymied by the political victory for our air.” different ethnic groups, crying Obama was addressing Con- difference. the dinosaurs, with a consider- of White racism. Thanks for the acknowledge- because an African American gress, Republican Congress- We must not accept the disre- ation of the value of Black His- Drawing on his own power- ment, but the damage has been had been elected president. man Joe Wilson shouted: “You spect against our president any tory Month’s special emphasis ful hunger for learning that had done. And for me, it wasn’t Most anticipated a new day lie!” This kind of behavior is longer. Stand up, say some- on African-American history. earned him degrees from the enough that the contributors with a better life for African reprehensible. thing and do something about One reason is that we now elite citadels of the University were suspended for two weeks. Americans in the most power- I don’t ever recall anyone it, now. know so much more about the of Chicago and Harvard, he well They should have been fired ful country in the world. calling the President of the Stand up America! Demand past of all three fields than we understood the liberating pow- permanently. A new time for all people United States a liar while he ad- respect for President Barack did in the 1950s – and that much er of an unfettered search for First, it was bumper stickers, of America to come together dressed Congress. Why does it Obama, and the Office of the of the “new” knowledge has rev- knowledge. then road signs and memora- to make America, not only the happen now, and why to Presi- President of the United States olutionized our thinking about In his classic book, The Mise- bilia disrespecting President most powerful country in the dent Obama? Can it be because of America. the dinosaurs, about space, about ducation of the Negro, he wrote, Obama, now it’s lawmakers, world, but the greatest country he’s an African American? Louis C. Ward is a photo- black Americans’ history. “When you control a man’s news commentators, and even in the world, where people will My take on it is yes. journalist, community activ- In other words, these three thinking you do not have to candidates seeking the Repub- be able to live in harmony and, Despite the small group’s ist and contributing writer to areas of inquiry offer dramatic worry about his actions. You do lican nomination for president hopefully, achieve prosperity endeavor to continue to belittle The Orlando Times. You can proof that the excavation and not have to tell him to stand here being discourteous to my presi- on economic and social levels. President Obama, now in his find more of his work at www. examination of a buried or con- or go yonder. He will find his dent, your president and our For a short while the future last year, he’s still continues to orlando-times.com. cealed or in some way undiscov- ‘proper place’ and will stay in it. ered past or present can lead to You do not need to send him to a new understanding not only of the back door. He will go with- the past and the present but pos- out being told. In fact, if there is sibly the future as well. no back door, he will cut one for Don’t get too excited when Trump That central point of the dy- his special benefit. His education namic of discovery has moti- makes it necessary.” vated scientists exploring the Fortunately for America’s attacks George W. Bush over Iraq seemingly barren landscapes sake, Carter Woodson’s brain- of our moon and Mars, and the child, today’s Black History By Bill Fletcher, Jr. founded by his words, appar- In other words, they will not ternational community, but in- NNPA Columnist rings around Saturn, and the Month, helped forge a different ently never expecting commen- let get in the way of stead should leave everyone to telescope-enabled glimpses of educational curriculum – one Something weird tary such as that to be mouthed their opinions. Such delusional their own devices. far-distant galaxies. It has en- that has led Black Americans happened on Feb- by a Republican candidate for thinking is always unsettling. Right-wing isolationists want gaged archeologists searching not only to the Big House’s front ruary 13 at the Re- President. Many people at the Second, within the Republi- “their U.S.A.” to be protected, for the fossilized bones of the door but also to commanding publican debate debate were also surprised, be- can camp, and frequently out of and one must be clear as to what giant creatures who inhabited seats in some of its most impor- in South Carolina. cause Trump was booed. the view of many liberals and that means. When one listens to a very different earth millions tant rooms. Donald Trump There are a few things to progressives, there are those the rhetoric of candidates, such and millions of years ago. And Lee A. Daniels is a longtime went after Jeb Bush over the consider about this incident. who are what might be de- as Trump, “their U.S.A.” is a it has engaged historians and journalist based in New York record of his brother, former The first is that, despite all of scribed as “neo-isolationists.” white, non-immigrant U.S.A., other scholars and writers who City. His essay, “Martin Luther President George W. Bush. the evidence to the effect that These neo-isolationists tend to that is, the “white republic” of in excavating the known as well King, Jr.: The Great Provoca- Trump attacked George W. the administration of George believe that the USA should old. They see this white repub- as the buried past of the United teur,” appears in Africa’s Peace- Bush for the invasion of Iraq W. Bush lied us into a war with wall itself off from the rest of lic under threat by demographic States have shone a bright, illu- makers: Nobel Peace Laureates and for providing insufficient Iraq, there are still people, par- the world, in some cases liter- changes, economic changes, minating light on American and of African Descent (2014), pub- security for the U.S.A., as rep- ticularly in the Republican Par- ally – such as Trump’s call for a and a changing world. For African-American history. lished by Zed Books. His new resented by the 9/11 terrorist ty, who insist on believing that wall on the border with Mexico them, the U.S.A. – defined as a Even a casual perusal of the collection of columns, Race For- attacks. there was sufficient justification – but in most cases figuratively. unending stream of books and ward: Facing America’s Racial There are many liberals and for an invasion that violated in- This element believes that the Trump articles being published on the Divide in 2014, is available at ternational law and precedent. USA should not engage the in- progressives who were dumb- Continued on page 12A events and individuals, both www.amazon.com

Editorials and Letters to the Editor may be e-mailed to [email protected] or mailed to 2659 Livingston Road, Jackson, MS 39213. The views and opinions expressed on the Op/Ed pages are not necessarily the views and opinions of The Mississippi Link. The Mississippi Link also reserves the right to edit all material for length and accuracy. OPINION

12A • THE MISSISSIPPI LINK FEBRUARY 25 - MARCH 2, 2016 www.mississippilink.com

Proposed rule to help minority students Alma Gill NNPA Advise Columnist By Jennifer C. Kerr “When we see students in any for a uniform way to measure racial or ethnic group identified when there’s an overrepresenta- Ask Alma Gill’s newsroom experience spans more than 25 WASHINGTON (AP) -- The with disabilities at vastly higher tion of minority students in spe- years, including various roles at USA Today, Newsday Obama administration says too rates than their peers, we owe it cial education. and the Washington Post. Email questions to: alwaysas- many minority students are be- to these students to pause, step Once overrepresentation is [email protected]. Follow her on Facebook at “Ask ing singled out for special edu- back and rethink,” Acting Edu- identified in a district, school Alma Alma” and twitter @almaaskalma. cation and is asking states to ad- cation Secretary John B. King Jr. officials would have more flex- dress the issue. said in a phone call with report- ibility under the proposed rule With new data in hand, the ers.” in how they spend their federal Education Department said It is “something we can and dollars allocated under the Indi- Tuesday that disparities persist must fix,” he said. viduals with Disabilities Educa- in the nation’s public schools, The department is proposing a tion Act, or IDEA. Get help for husband where oftentimes minority stu- new rule with two key parts. Currently, when a district is dents are more likely to be iden- States would be required to tagged as having significant dis- who is now a smoker tified as having a disability and adopt a standard approach to parities, it must set aside 15 per- face harsher discipline than their compare racial and ethnic groups cent of its IDEA money to pro- white counterparts. and determine when disparities vide early intervening services, Dear Alma, a serious dependency, a desire that requires you are significant. Basically, it calls beginning in kindergarten. The to fully satisfy by any means necessary. Do you Five years into my marriage my husband wanna know how I know? I smoked for over 20 moved himself into the downstairs bedroom. years before I could quit. Your body craves for The initial reason given was, “He didn’t want the nicotine. That’s why people stand outside in to disturb the babies” (including a newborn) a cold, snow, icy rain to take a smoke. As a non- Allstate Insurance: Archie Smith with his late-night arrival and early departures smoker, what you don’t know is, smoking can for work. Some months later, after a “marriage be soothing, a stress reliever, it relaxes you. If check-up” with our pastor, he confessed to me you’ve never struggled with a compulsion, you celebrates Black History Month that he had started smoking. You know, one of just don’t get it. those things I never wanted in my life. Smok- It’s his choice to make. He won’t win unless ing is one of those things you list as true deal- he’s all in. So, encourage your husband to make and the legacy of black achievers breakers with regard to dating and relationships up his mind to quit smoking because it’s the from the start. He admitted that he knew how healthy thing to do. Remind him you’d like for strongly I felt about this, but he figured it was no him to be around a long time for you and the Contact: longer a deal-breaker since we are married. On kids, blah, blah, la-dee-da…you know what I’m the one hand, I don’t see using as a justification talkin’ bout. Ask your doctor for brochures and PHONE for divorce. On the other hand, I feel betrayed, suggested websites to share with him. Tell him (601) 859-3183 belittled, devalued, and bullied into being with you want him back upstairs, now. Yes, you’re someone I would never had been with if given right, smoking is a game changer, but you two FAX the choice of him as a smoker. can commit to get through this. Stop, read that Signed, again, I said you two. Handle your husband’s (601) 859-6658 He has made a liar out of me! addiction with patience and tolerance. Don’t nag him, offer support. This will take time. EMAIL: Holy hot water hose, you’re infuriated. I can I recall a conversation I had with a loved one [email protected] see the flames flickering from your email. Luck- who had battled a drug problem. During her last ily I’m here to distinguish this dilemma. Lawd days, I asked, “Why didn’t you ever just quit?” ADDRESS: knows what would happen had you not reached Her answer, “for every time you think I didn’t, out for help. Quick, duck, here comes a splash I did times a million.” I assure you he’s trying, 1014 E Peace St of reality - this ain’t about you, it’s about him that’s what many smokers do, more than you Canton, MS 39046 and his habit. He owns an addiction. and the rest of us non-smokers will ever know. I know you feel betrayed tossed and lost in the – Alma hot sauce, but the reality is we’re talking about Congress should act on economic issues faces Blacks

Mississippi Link Newswire clude: WASHINGTON – In recogni- • The African American un- tion of Black History Month, the employment rate (8.8 percent) is Joint Economic Committee and more than twice the rate for white the Congressional Black Caucus Americans (4.3 percent). on Feb.12, released an update to • African Americans are twice their 2015 report on the economic as likely to live in poverty as status of African Americans. The whites – 26.2 percent compared study finds that African Americans to 12.7 percent. lag far behind white Americans in • The median income of Af- almost every measure of econom- rican American households is ic well-being in all 50 states. $35,400 – nearly $25,000 less “During Black History Month than the median income of white our nation celebrates the extraor- households ($60,300). dinary achievements of African • The median net worth of Americans,” CBC Chairman G. white households is 13 times K. Butterfield and JEC Ranking greater than that of black house- Democrat Carolyn B. Maloney holds ($142,000 vs. $11,000). said in a joint statement. “Our • Among those aged 25 and country has come a long way, and older, 36 percent of white Ameri- African Americans have made cans hold Bachelor’s degrees or significant economic progress higher compared to 22 percent of since the passage of the Civil African Americans. Rights Act of 1964, but so much The JEC report also contains a more work remains ahead. We’ll chart that shows large differences never eliminate economic dis- between black and white unem- parities based on race if Congress ployment over time, as well as a continues to ignore the issues fac- chart that compares median in- ing the black community.” come for different races and eth- Key findings of the report in- nicities since 1980.

Trump Continued from page 11A White-dominated U.S.A. —must the Republican Party disagree ve- withdraw from world affairs. hemently with him. Yet his vision We were hearing elements of assumes that the U.S.A. can have this in Trump’s rhetoric at the de- its cake and eat it too. That it can bate. It can be misleading because obtain resources from the rest of it sometimes sounds like what we, the world, but act not as a partner progressives, have said. But the re- but as a periodic bully when it does ality is that Trump wants to retreat not get its way. into a mythical past. He wants the While we may agree with U.S.A. to be able to dominate the Trump’s criticism of George W. world when it sees fit, but to other- Bush, none of us should ever as- wise disengage with the rest of the sume that he has seen the light. planet in resolving common, plan- Bill Fletcher, Jr. is a talk-show etary challenges. Yes, he is correct host, writer and activist. Follow that the Iraq invasion was based on him on Twitter, Facebook and at a lie, and the neo-conservatives in www.billfletcherjr.com.

Editorials and Letters to the Editor may be e-mailed to [email protected] or mailed to 2659 Livingston Road, Jackson, MS 39213. The views and opinions expressed on the Op/Ed pages are not necessarily the views and opinions of The Mississippi Link. The Mississippi Link also reserves the right to edit all material for length and accuracy. www.mississippilink.com FEBRUARY 25 - MARCH 2, 2016 THE MISSISSIPPI LINK • 13A 14A • THE MISSISSIPPI LINK FEBRUARY 25 - MARCH 2, 2016 www.mississippilink.com www.mississippilink.com FEBRUARY 25 - MARCH 2, 2016 THE MISSISSIPPI LINK • 15A

In track and field, McGee blazes toward gold in SWAC championships 2016 Toyota SWAC Basketball

The Mississippi Link Newswire The Jackson State University Tournament events announced men’s and women’s track and field teams scorched the field at Swac.org Championship Saturday the Southwestern Athletic Con- HOUSTON, Texas – Of- concludes with after-parties ference (SWAC) Indoor Track ficials with the Southwestern hosted by Grooves Houston and Field Championships on Feb. Athletic Conference have (2300 Pierce St.) and “The 20-21 in Birmingham, Ala. with announced the schedule of Official SWAC Champion- Bentrell McGee placing first in special events that will take ship After-Party.” the 60-meter hurdles with a time place in support of the 2016 “The Official SWAC Alum- of 7.85 second. Toyota SWAC Basketball ni After Party will be hosted On his way toward winning Tournament. at the Mosaic Bar & Lounge gold for the Tigers, McGee also Events begin in Houston on (5927 Almeda Road). Pros- beat a longstanding SWAC re- Bentrell McGee shatters a previ- March 8 and carry on through pect Park will have live music cord, upending the previous re- ous record set in 2005 by a JSU March 13. with “Saturday Night Live” cord set in 2005 by JSU alum and Olympian. During day one of basket- (3100 Fountain View Drive). 2012 Olympian Michael Tinsley. ball action, evening activities p.m. both days. Alumni Happy Hour and Free Festivities will conclude McGee also won the 200-meter the triple jump event; and James will start with “Tuez Steak The night concludes with Friday’s Tip Off Party.” The March 13 with the “SWAC title and placed third in the 60-me- Curtis, who finished third in the Night” March 8 at Social “Wednesday Night Live” at Mosaic Bar and Lounge (5927 Sunday Funday Party” at So- ter dash. mile run. Junkie located at 2412 Wash- Sugarhill Bar and Lounge Almeda Road) is home to the cial Junkie from 2-9 p.m. Overall, the Tigers earned The Lady Tigers brought home ington Ave. in downtown (2533 Southmore Blvd.) with “SWAC Official Alumni Af- Tickets for sessions on fourth place, and the Lady Tigers honors as well. Jasmine Johnson Houston. The doors will open live music and “Wednesday fair Pre-Party” while Sug- March 8-10 are $20 each. tied for seventh place in the com- placed second in the pole vault; at 4 p.m. Wing Night” at Prospect Park arhill Bar and Lounge (2533 March 11 tickets are $25. petition. Akelia Knight finished third in March 9 at 9 a.m. is the start (3100 Fountain View Drive). Southmore) is set to host the Seats for the finals on March Notable performances from the 800 meter, and Latoya Gliding of Education Day and the an- Quarter-final play gets “SWAC Official Alumni Kick 12 are $30. the men’s team included Jauvany threw a personal season best in the nual SWAC College Expo, underway March 10 and is Off Party.” Fans can purchase a Tour- Hyde, who earned third place in shot put event. located in the 94-95 Room at capped off with “SWAC Al- Once the SWAC basket- nament Book to attend all Toyota Center. Through this muni Live” at the Mosaic ball champions are crowned eight sessions of games for event, SWAC schools will Bar & Lounge (5927 Almeda March 12, fans will be treat- $125 each. Each Tournament feature booths and admis- Road) along with “SWAC ed to a post-game concert at Book includes a “Night Life” Alcorn to honor football team sions information to prospec- Thursdays at 5TH” hosted by Toyota Center featuring rap- voucher. tive students. 5th Amendment Bar (2900 per Big Daddy Kane, R&B Each session includes two with Celebration of Champions The College and Commu- Travis St.). group Guy, Pop/R&B artist games, a men’s and a wom- nity Expo is free to the public A trio of official after par- Jeremih and artist Ty Dolla en’s, and the seats are GA. Mississippi Link Newswire in the E. E. Simmons Gymnasium and accessible from the Polk ties will take place starting $ign. The concert ticket is Purchase tickets online After repeating as Southwest- at 8 p.m. after the women’s and Street entrance. This event March 11 at Grooves Hous- included with the tourna- or call the Toyota Center’s ern Athletic Conference cham- men’s basketball games against takes place March 9 and ton (2300 Pierce St.) as they ment championship ticket for Box Office at 866-4HOUTIX pions against Grambling State Texas Southern University. March 10 and will end at 3 will host the “SWAC Official March 12. (866-446-8849). University and participating in Intercollegiate Athletic Direc- the inaugural Air Force Reserves tor Derek Horne is looking for- Celebration Bowl, it’s safe to say ward to celebrating the football that the team’s success with the Alcorn Braves football team had another community. JSU bowlers win 2nd regular season crown historic year. It’s only right that “We are excited to host the Cel- Mississippi Link Newswire the University celebrate the team ebration of Champions for our Sawmiller finishing with a - to for their amazing effort on the football team,” said Horne. “Win- VESTAVIA, Ala. – Jackson tal pinfall of 5,080 and Haley football field. ning championships is a family State won its second consecu- Young ending the regular sea- Students, faculty, staff and affair and we want our students, tive regular season crown after son with a total pinfall of 5,055. alumni are asked to mark Satur- faculty, staff and alumni to have finishing the Southwestern Ath- Young was named Freshman of day, March 5, on their calendars the opportunity to celebrate our letic Conference East Round the Year. for the Celebration of Champions. back-to-back championships. Up in first place with a 19-4 Texas Southern collected a The events will kickoff with the This will be a day filled with en- season record. third-place finish, while Prai- campus parade, which will start at gaging activities and I encour- The Lady Tigers were paced Jackson State University bowlers won first place in the SWAC East. rie View A&M finished fourth. Bowles Hall and end at the Davey age everyone to come out, enjoy by Dyana Bakar who finished Grambling State closed the L. Whitney HPER Complex. the festivities and support the fourth overall with a pinfall JSU collected an overall win/ in the conference with an over- regular season in fifth place, The team will be honored with Braves.” count of 5,042. She averaged loss average of 194.4. all record of 17-6. The Lady while Alabama A&M earned the Celebration of Champions Spectators will have the chance 180.10 pins a game. Paola Es- This was head coach Michael Hornets claimed the top three sixth place. ceremony at Jack Spinks-Mari- to take photos with the team and trada also ended the regular Boykins’ second conference ti- individual bowler positions Because Southern did not no Cassem Stadium at 2 p.m. at the championship trophy, win season among the top 10 bowl- tle in his three years at the uni- with Kaila Ryan being named participate in the east round up, gates 12-14 at the visitor’s side door prizes and much more. ers as she finished seventh with versity. Bowler of the Year (5,027 pin- the Lady Jaguars finished the entrance. The block party, which For more information, visit an average of 177.3. Alabama State placed second fall – 193.30 average), Jessica regular season in seventh place. will only be for students, will be www.alcornsports.com. Braves’ winning streak ends

DeAndre Davis had 26 points, but it wasn’t enough as Alabama State Univer- sity out-lasted Alcorn State University 73- 59, to snap the Braves’ five-game winning streak Feb. 22. With the setback, Alcorn moved to 13-13 overall and 11-4 in SWAC action, while ASU improved to 11-15 over- all and 7-8 in conference play. Alcorn returns to action Feb. 27, as the Braves play host to Southern University. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.

PHOTO BY CHARLES SMITH

WRTM-FM SMOOTH 100.5 FM, IS JACKSON’S URBAN RHYTHM AND STATION PLAYING FAMILIAR FAVORITES FROM THE 70’S, 80’S AND 90’S. TUNE IN TO HEAR JUST THE RIGHT MIX OF BLUES AND TODAY’S BIGGEST HITS. 16A • THE MISSISSIPPI LINK FEBRUARY 25 - MARCH 2, 2016 www.mississippilink.com NATIONAL

www.mississippilink.com FEBRUARY 25 - MARCH 2, 2016 THE MISSISSIPPI LINK • 1B Visit “Hallowed Grounds” during Black History Month By Hazel Trice Edney TriceEdneyWire.com Thousands of priceless relics, artifacts and black historic sites around the U. S. have been de- stroyed by accident, negligence or intention. This is the reason that the As- sociation for the Study of Afri- can American Life and History (ASALH) is calling for African- Americans and others to pay African Burial Grounds, an NPS historic site in Brown v. Board of Education Historic Site in Kan- homage to those “Hallowed New York. PHOTO: NPS sas. PHOTO: NPS Grounds” of Black history dur- ing the entire year of 2016 – be- to encourage people across the U. ity is we cannot depend upon the nence and care during his four- yond Black History Month. S. to visit the approximately 400 federal government to identify year tenure between 1997 and “There are a number of com- federally designated historic sites and support these sites. We have 2001. Appointed by President munities that have been com- in commemoration of the NPS’s got to be able to do this through Bill Clinton, Stanton established pletely eradicated off the map 100th anniversary this year. our own communities, through the African-American Experi- due to urban renewal, etc. There “We are a spiritual people. And our states; through organizations ence Fund for that purpose. were places where black people there’s no way in many of these like ASALH and walking tours “There are certainly more sites had thriving communities; that instances that we can tell our sto- and local history so that people that need to be recognized,” says when change came they were ry were it not for how hallowed know about these sites.” Cyrus. “We work every year to completely just annihilated. We these places are,” Cyrus says. “If Many historic sites and arti- bring more on board.” need to remember those sites,” you look at Annapolis, Maryland, facts are privately owned, kept But, for now, the following are says Sylvia Cyrus, executive di- the place where African slave in black families, or entrenched the 25 federally designated his- Sylvia Cyrus rector of ASALH, the 101-year- ships came in. I mean that’s holy in communities, she points out. toric sites and state locations in old organization founded by the ground for us. You have to un- They may include places like a alphabetical order: DC; George Washington Carver cal Park, Louisiana; Nicodemus “Father of Black History,” Dr. derstand why that should be im- church in a local community; a African American Civil War National Monument, Missouri; National Historic Site, Kansas; Carter G. Woodson. “We want portant to you, how that speaks place where a race riot started, or Memorial, DC; African Burial Gullah/Geechee Cultural Heri- Port Chicago Naval Magazine to encourage people to find these to your soul, how that speaks to the site of some local activity that Ground National Monument, tage Corridor, South Carolina; National Memorial, California; sites and do something to support who we are as a people.” dealt with civil rights or educa- New York; Booker T. Washing- Harriet Tubman Underground Selma to Montgomery National them and to increase the profile However, Cyrus confirmed tion. ton National Monument, Vir- Railroad National Monument, Historic Trail, Alabama; Tuskeg- for them so that we can continue that only 25 of the 400 NPS-des- “We are charging Americans ginia; Boston African American Maryland; Little Rock Central ee Airmen National Historic Site, to show America and the world ignated sites pertain specifically to look – not just nationally at National Historic Site, Massa- High School National Historic Alabama; and Tuskegee Institute that African-Americans have to black history. Within, NPS, these sites - but in your own com- chusetts; Brown V Board of Site, Arizona; Maggie L Walker National Historic Site, Alabama. made significant contributions these 25 sites are called the Afri- munities; to start a dialog about Education National Historic National Historic Site, Virginia; “Our intent is to engage our and there are places that we can can-American Experience Fund. places of importance that have Site, Kansas; Cane River Cre- Martin Luther King Jr National community to certainly seek out go that have significant impor- There are efforts to add more, but impacted African-American Life ole National Historical Park Historic Site, Georgia; Martin hallowed grounds, visit them, tance to our history and to Amer- she said budget shortfalls have and History.” and Heritage Area, Louisiana; Luther King,Jr. Memorial, DC; support them, talk about them ican history.” made that difficult. Robert G. “Bob” Stanton, who Carter G. Woodson Home Na- Mary McLeod Bethune Council and share the history,” Cyrus Under the Black History “The reality is that with the was the first African-American tional Historic Site, DC; Charles House National Historic Site, says. “It’s only when we talk Month theme, “Hallowed federal budget being what it is appointed as NPS director, has Young Buffalo Soldiers National DC; Natchez National Histori- about this, only when we identify Grounds: Sites of African Ameri- today that the National Park Ser- been credited with the growth of Monument, Ohio; Dayton Avia- cal Park, Mississippi; National it that our history is not forgotten. can Memories,” Cyrus says AS- vice cannot even maintain the the NPS-designated black his- tion Heritage National Histori- Underground Railroad: Network Because we have already lost so ALH is joining in support with sites that they have now,” she tory sites. The number of sites cal Park, Ohio; Frederick Dou- To Freedom, Nebraska; New much history, we don’t want to the National Park Service (NPS) says. “So, we know that the real- increased as well as their promi- glass National Historic Site, Orleans Jazz National Histori- lose anything else.” First Lady says Black History should be celebrated “every single day”

By Leanna Commins cial dances signifying the his- have been a driving force in Howard University News Service tory of black dance after being the cultural life of this nation. WHITE HOUSE – First lady trained and choreographed for From tribal dance, to freedom Michelle Obama said Monday three hours by four of the na- songs, to modern dance, to hip- the contributions of African- tion’s top dancers– Alvin Ailey hop, their work has stirred our Americans to the United States American Dance Theater’s Ju- souls and ignited our imagina- are far too many and impor- dith Jamison, dancer, choreog- tion.” tant to be celebrated for only a rapher and “Different World” Obama also discussed the month, and instead should be television director Debbie hardships black dancers have studied and commemorated by Allen, the Dance Theatre of faced in the past. the nation throughout the year. Harlem’s Virginia Johnson and “It wasn’t that long ago that “Let’s celebrate it for every hip-hop choreographer Fatima many major dance companies single day of every single year Robinson. wouldn’t hire black dancers,” – forever and ever,” Obama The girls performed a variety she said. “The few dancers told spectators during a special of genres, including African who were hired were some- Black History Month program tribal, modern, classical ballet times asked to wear white pan- at the White House. “We have and hip-hop. cake makeup to hide their face contributed so much to this na- Obama called the students from the audience. Some of the tion and this planet. the “living legacy” of the cho- women who are with us today On Feb. 8, in the East Room of the White House, youth dancers performed for Black History Month. PHOTOS BY “We have to make sure our reographers who trained them. felt the sting of that discrimina- CHERISS MAY, HOWARD UNIVERSITY NEWS SERVICE young people understand where “Your presence here today tion first hand.” they come from and how valu- is very much the result of the As she wrapped up the event, able they are and how valuable risks they took, because of the Obama congratulated the that history is so that they know sacrifices they made and the young dancers on their perfor- they have a solid foundation grinding hard work they put in mances. upon which to soar.” hour after hour, year after year, “What you all just did to- Obama’s comments were rehearsing until their body day – showing up at the White made after 51 young Wash- ached and their lungs burned House, learning from dancing ington students performed at a and they never wanted to put legends, and then coming out day-long dance workshop held on that leotard again,” she said. in front of the media and per- in the White House in honor of “For nearly 50 years, the forming like that,” she said. Black History Month. women who are gracing us “There is absolutely nothing The students performed spe- with their presence here today you all cannot do.” NATIONAL

2B • THE MISSISSIPPI LINK FEBRUARY 25 - MARCH 2, 2016 www.mississippilink.com Stamp honors Richard Allen, founder McDonald’s “My Community” of African Methodist Episcopal Church video competition returns Mississippi Link Newswire Mississippi Link Newswire A.M.E. Church; Bishop Caro- African American neighbors in Back for its second year, The U.S. Postal Service today lyn Tyler Guidry, retired bishop, need, rallying black Philadel- McDonald’s USA and the kicked off the national obser- A.M.E. Church; Dr. Teresa Frye phians to serve as aid workers American Black Film Festival vance of Black History Month Brown, historiographer and ex- during a yellow fever epidemic invite emerging filmmakers to with the dedication of a Forever ecutive director, Department in 1793 and preparing the black enter McDonald’s “My Com- stamp honoring preacher, activ- of Research and Scholarship, community to defend the city munity” Video Competition. ist and civic leader Richard Al- A.M.E. Church; Dr. Mark K. Ty- during the War of 1812. Filmmakers are challenged len for his inspirational life and ler, senior pastor, Mother Bethel Eager to establish an indepen- to create one 90-second video profound contribution to Ameri- A.M.E. Church; Jacquelyn Du- dent African American church, that illustrates McDonald’s can history. The ceremony was pont-Walker, director, A.M.E. Allen purchased an old black- 365Black mantra, “Deeply held at Mother Bethel African Social Action Commission; and smith’s shop and moved it to Rooted in Your Community.” Methodist Episcopal Church, J’Nai Bridges, mezzo soprano. land he owned at Sixth and Aspiring filmmakers nation- founded by Allen. Customers may purchase the Lombard Streets. Bethel Church wide are encouraged to enter The stamp is the 39th in the Richard Allen Forever stamp at was dedicated in 1794 and soon their best, original submis- Lee Postal Service’s Black Heri- usps.com/stamps, at the Postal attracted hundreds of members, sions by April 15, for their tage stamp series, which began Store usps.com/shop, by calling but Allen spent years in conflict chance to win the grand prize. about the competition can be in 1978 with a stamp honoring 800-STAMP24 (800-782-6724) with white church leaders who Three finalists will be se- found at www.abff.com. abolitionist Harriet Tubman. It and at Post Offices nationwide. sought to assert their control. At lected to attend the 20th an- “We are proud to partner coincides with the 200th anni- Joshua D. Colin, who dedicated A variety of stamps and collect- one point, they tried to sell the nual American Black Film with McDonald’s on bringing versary of Allen’s founding of the stamp. ibles also is available at ebay. building out from under him, Festival in Miami, June 15-19 this opportunity to emerging the African Methodist Episcopal “ and later com/stamps. but as a successful businessman, and have an exclusive oppor- content creators. Without a (A.M.E.) Church, considered Martin Luther King Jr., both The stamp art is a portrait of Allen was able to buy it back at tunity to be mentored by crit- doubt, this competition is a one of the most important insti- said that they were influenced Allen, a detail from an 1876 auction. ically-acclaimed film director catalyst for introducing un- tutions in African American life, by how Bishop Allen seemed to print titled “Bishops of the After a campaign that includ- Malcolm D. Lee (The Best discovered talent to the indus- and Allen’s election and conse- channel a higher power to work A.M.E. Church” from the col- ed sit-ins by African Americans Man; The Best Man Holiday; try-at-large,” said Jeff Friday, cration as A.M.E.’s first bishop. through him to shepherd blacks lection of the Library Company and a judgment by the Supreme Barbershop: The Next Cut), ABFF founder and CEO. Other African Americans through some of this country’s of Philadelphia. Court of Pennsylvania, the con- who will provide finalists “I look forward to return- honored in the Black Heritage darkest days. I hope this stamp Allen’s Life and Legacy gregation secured its indepen- with invaluable film industry ing as mentor to the finalists stamp series include Martin will inspire every American to When Richard Allen (1760– dence. In 1816, Allen summoned tips and advice. in the McDonald’s ‘My Com- Luther King Jr., Benjamin Ban- learn more about this uplifting 1831) lamented the bitterness of other black Methodist leaders The submissions will be munity’ Video Competition,” neker, Dr. Carter G. Woodson, man,” Colin said. slavery, he spoke from experi- to Philadelphia, where togeth- judged by a panel of industry said Lee. “There is so much Mary McLeod Bethune, Langs- Scheduled to join Colin to ence – but this remarkably reso- er they founded the African experts and the top three short great talent out there in the ton Hughes, , dedicate the stamp were Phila- lute and industrious man pur- Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) videos will premiere at the film industry and it’s always Paul Robeson, Marian Ander- delphia Mayor James F. Kenney; chased his own freedom in his Church, electing and consecrat- highly-anticipated 20th anni- inspiring to connect with son, Hattie McDaniel, Ella , senior managing twenties and became one of the ing Allen as its first bishop. versary festival. Submissions them and hopefully do my Fitzgerald, John H. Johnson, director, Lazard; Bishop John most important African Ameri- Today, Mother Bethel A.M.E. will be critiqued on creativity, part to support the next gen- Barbara Jordan and Shirley Ch- R. Bryant, senior bishop of the can leaders of his era. Church stands on the site where implementation of concept eration of great filmmakers.” isholm. A.M.E. Church, Bishop Grego- After making a name for Allen converted that old black- and quality. One finalist will McDonald’s encourages “Richard Allen was a man of ry M. Ingram, presiding prelate himself as a traveling minister smith’s shop more than two cen- take home the grand prize those interested in the com- boundless stature, courage and of the First Episcopal District throughout the Mid-Atlantic, turies ago. – a film equipment package petition to follow @365Black determination. The Postal Ser- of the A.M.E. Church; Bishop Allen was asked to preach to The denomination he founded valued at $2,500 and an op- on Twitter and join the con- vice is pleased to dedicate this Richard T. Jackson, ecumeni- his fellow African Americans now boasts more than 2.5 mil- portunity to have their video versation using #365Black- special commemorative For- cal officer and endorsing agent, at a Methodist church in Phila- lion members. His life – a legacy featured on prominent web- Film. ever stamp in his honor,” said A.M.E. Church; Bishop Jef- delphia. He quickly rose to of determination, uplift, charity sites, including McDonald’s To learn more about the Postal Service Vice President, frey N. Leath, presiding prelate prominence as a civic leader, co- and faith – remains an inspira- 365Black.com and other me- 365Black initiative, visit Area Operations – Eastern Area, of the 13th Episcopal District, founding an organization to help tion to all Americans. dia entities. More information www.365Black.com. NATIONAL

www.mississippilink.com FEBRUARY 25 - MARCH 2, 2016 THE MISSISSIPPI LINK • 3B Moorehead worked his way Life, lessons of Parks in “Our Auntie Rosa” into the luxury car business Mississippi Link Newswire Most people know as the courageous civil Mississippi Link Newswire kets, crystal cufflink holders), rights activist whose sacrifices, The world’s first African- Moorehead’s low-key manner is a along with those of many oth- American Rolls Royce car dealer studied contrast – a contrast he be- ers, made it possible for us to got there through hard work and lieves helps him sell more cars. “I live in a more just society to- perseverance, but only after disap- can talk about the features of the day. What the majority of her pointing his family. cars all day but, ultimately, people admirers throughout the world Thomas Moorehead’s parents are buying good service.” don’t know is that she was also thought the key to respectability At age 71, Moorehead still re- a model of excellence in daily was a Ph.D. Both teachers, they lies on the daily advice of mentors, life, and was a devoted mother lived by an old-school axiom that who include Hall of Fame home- figure to her niece, Sheila Mc- the one thing you never can take run great (now car dealer) Hank Cauley Keys and Key’s 12 sib- away from a man is an education. Aaron and former National Urban lings. With just a few credits and a League president John Jacob. He In time to celebrate Black dissertation to go, Moorehead calls them “instrumental” in shap- History Month, a book titled mate portrait of a great Ameri- abandoned his doctoral program, Thomas A. Moorehead, CEO and president of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars ing his business’s success. “They “OUR AUNTIE ROSA: The can hero and offer life lessons and his parent’s wishes, for a shot Sterling, also owns the BMW-Mini dealership in Sterling as well as marked their careers by quietly Family of Rosa Parks Remem- that will inspire generations to at learning the automobile busi- Harley Davidson Washington D.C. PHOTO BY ANDRÉ CHUNG. getting the job done, but also be- bers Her Life and Lessons” by come. ness from the bottom up. ing the best at what they do.” Sheila McCauley Keys with Sheila McCauley Keys is the It was a leap of faith, an offer the exclusive club of only 33 deal- his roots in Monroe, La., a town While giving a tour of his of- Eddie B. Allen Jr. (TarcherPeri- seventh niece of civil rights her- from a fraternity brother and men- ers and 130 dealerships around the of 38,000 with a historic poverty fice, Moorehead seems slightly gee), is out in paperback. The oine Rosa Parks. In 2013, Keys tor, James Bradley of Bradley Au- globe, an opportunity he accepted rate twice the already poor state’s embarrassed as he points to pic- book presents a collection of was featured in PBS’s live tele- tomotive Group, who promised to without hesitation. average. tures of himself with presidents never-before-seen photos, let- vision broadcast of the National make Moorehead a millionaire in Rolls Royce Motor Cars of During his youth, Monroe Col- Obama and Clinton and an array ters and family stories that pay Day of Courage, celebrating five years – if he took the risk. But Sterling, is the sole Rolls Royce ored High was the sole choice for of famous business leaders. That tribute to Parks and shows the what would have been Parks’s it wasn’t the promise that attract- dealership in greater Washing- black students in that segregated changes when he points out two woman behind the legend. 100th birthday. That same year, ed Moorehead: “Teaching was a ton, D.C. and covers much of the city. It was a time when, accord- items of which he’s most proud. “Auntie Rosa,” as Keys and Keys joined President Barack guarantee of a long career, but I al- mid-Atlantic – from Virginia to ing to Moorehead, families like The Laurel Wreath Award, Kappa her siblings called her, left the Obama and legislators in un- ways had a passion for business,” southern Pennsylvania. It sets just his could “offer you their good Alpha Psi Fraternity’s highest south for Detroit in 1957, where veiling a statue of Rosa Parks he says. across from Sterling BMW and name, but not money.” honor for lifetime achievement. she reconnected with her only in the Capitol Rotunda. Keys His road to success required Mini, his other successful dealer- That upbringing drives a sense And then something much sibling, Sylvester McCauley, has become an active voice in two years of apprenticeship with ship. of humility that led Moorehead to less distinct: a small cardboard and his 13 children. In the years efforts to preserve her aunt’s Bradley, the mortgaging of his “These are the best cars in the keep his own name off the dealer- sign that lists more than a dozen that followed, Parks became a legacy. home and the depletion of his world, and I’m honored to be ship’s logo. “I always say the boss vendors who, he says, have con- guiding force and inspiration Contributions to this book savings to enter a training pro- able to bring them to my custom- is the customer, not me. I don’t tributed to his achievements – ar- to her nieces and nephews, and are made by the family of Rosa gram, then eventually owning his ers,” Moorehead says as he looks get caught up in having my name chitects, decorators, contractors, in this remarkable book, they Parks, which includes the chil- first dealership, selling Buicks in across the lot. on the door,” he explains. “Actu- cleaning-service owners and even share with readers the great dren and grandchildren of Syl- Omaha, Neb. His dealerships thrive in one of ally, most customers who come in the guy who printed the sign. All wisdom of their Auntie Rosa. vester and Daisy McCauley, Moorehead built a strong repu- the region’s wealthiest communi- think I’m just another salesman, are African Americans, and fra- Parks gained worldwide rec- along with their families. tation as someone dedicated to ties, filled with prosperous - gov and that’s fine with me.” ternity brothers, people for whom ognition for her brave act on Eddie B. Allen Jr. is an customer service, an essential val- ernment contractors, newly mint- In a world where demand- he has paid forward the gift that an Alabama bus in December award-winning reporter and ue of the Rolls Royce brand. That ed millionaires from tech start-ups ing buyers have been known to Bradley gave him. 1955, but that was just one mo- freelance journalist whose reputation and his sales record as and the Washington Redskins’ add millions of dollars’ worth of For more information on Thom- ment in a life lived with great work has appeared in The New owner of Sterling BMW in Vir- nearby training facility. custom details to their cars to re- as Moorehead’s philanthropic ef- humility and courage. The sto- York Times, Reuters, The Asso- ginia, sparked an invitation from But the opulence that Moore- flect their personalities (fur-lined forts go to www.themoorehead- ries collected by her closest ciated Press, BET.com, and the Rolls Royce Motor Cars to join head markets is a long way from shoe-holders, built-in picnic bas- foundation.org. family members paint an inti- Detroit Free Press. 4B • THE MISSISSIPPI LINK FEBRUARY 25 - MARCH 2, 2016 www.mississippilink.com

STATE-WIDE PROUDLY CELEBRATES Black History Month and Honors Carolyn J. Scott for 45 Years of Service with State-Wide General Insurance

3073 LYNCH STREET JACKSON, MS 39209 601-353-2421

MAT THOMAS, OWNER NATIONAL

www.mississippilink.com FEBRUARY 25 - MARCH 2, 2016 THE MISSISSIPPI LINK • 5B

From slave ships to ‘Black Lives Riled by glass ceilings: Perseverance, skill credited Matter:’ Nation’s newest Smithsonian for historic growth in black to tell story of African Americans female entrepreneurship

By Edna Kane-Williams place, illustrating the unique ex- By Edna Kane-Williams TriceEdneyWire.com periences of African Americans TriceEdneyWire.com In 1955, Mamie Till, the in the United States. Given the pioneering suc- grieving mother of , • Two performance spaces, cess of Madam C. J. Walker, said she wanted the world to see including the Oprah Winfrey America’s first self-made what had been done to her son. Theatre, named for the media black woman millionaire, peo- Sixty years later, the glass- mogul who gave $21 million to ple wanted to know how she topped coffin that displayed the the museum. got started in business owner- mutilated body of the 14-year- “Military history, sports histo- ship only decades after the end old victim of racial hatred is ry, the history of African-Amer- of slavery in America. Her an- among thousands of compelling ican organizations and institu- swer was short and simple: “I artifacts slated for display in tions – from schools that our got my start by giving myself the Smithsonian’s new National ancestors built to colleges and a start.” Museum of African American universities that our religious As for her astronomical suc- Advertisement showing images History and Culture in Washing- organizations constructed – to cess as owner of an Indianap- of cold cream and hair and com- ton. the political and social and eco- olis-based hair and skin care plexion products manufactured Anticipation builds as the nomic organizations that we’ve factory, Walker had yet anoth- by Madam C.J. Walker. Photo: museum, opening in September created from slavery right up er pithy saying: “Perseverance Library of Congress. 2016, prepares to receive visi- to today” will have their place is my motto.” tors from around the world. It Among the exhibits in the new National Museum of African American among the exhibits, Franklin More than a century later, own 30 percent of all busi- will tell the story of American History and Culture is a collection of glass shards and a shotgun shell says. “It’s just been very excit- these morsels of wisdom still nesses in the United States, history like never before – from collected from the gutter outside the 16th Street Baptist Church in ing working on this project and work – at least according to accounting for some 9.4 mil- an African-American perspec- Birmingham, Ala., after the 1963 bombing that killed four young girls. seeing a very diverse team come economic experts and advo- lion firms. African-American tive. PHOTO CREDIT: COLLECTION OF THE SMITHSONIAN NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AFRI- together with all kinds of skills.” cates who have observed the women control 14 percent of When the doors open, the CAN AMERICAN HISTORY AND CULTURE For more than 164 years, historic rise of black women these companies, or an esti- three-floor, 400,000-square-foot people of all ages have trav- entrepreneurs over the past 18 mated 1.3 million businesses. facility will not only display an- will be included. Barack Obama, America’s first eled to Washington to explore years. In contrast, white women own cient artifacts but also showcase The five-acre museum site, African-American president. the Smithsonian’s 19 museums, According to an American 6.1 million, the lion’s share of more current events and how located on Constitution Avenue, • Slave artifacts, including plus the National Zoo. But the Express Open study released the women-owned firms, ac- they fit into the continuum of between the Washington Monu- items that belonged to Harriet new museum will have some- in 2015, there’s been a 322 cording to the National Wom- American history. ment and the National Museum Tubman. thing for everyone. percent growth in black fe- en’s Business Council. “We want to be the place of American History, will be the • Segregation artifacts, in- The museum’s founding di- male-owned businesses since Generally, black businesses where people come and say, only national museum devoted cluding a railroad car showing rector Lonnie Bunch said, “I 1997, making black women – owned by men and wom- ‘OK, this just happened. What’s exclusively to the documenta- Colored-only and White-only want people to realize this is the fastest growing entrepre- en – still lag grossly behind the background to this? What tion of African-American life, quarters. who we are as Americans. I’m neurial group in America. The those owned by whites, says preceded this,’” asks John art, history and culture. Among • Black incarceration, illus- not creating an African-Amer- same self-start, perseverance Malveaux. “The issue is that Franklin, a museum director. So the exhibits: trated by a guard tower and a ican museum just for African and faith employed by Walk- African Americans are less items from recent occurrences • An underground gallery cell from Louisiana’s Angola Americans.” er is still motivating Black likely to have access to capital such as the Black Lives Matter tracing artifacts from a sunken Prison, formerly a slave facility Edna Kane-Williams is senior women in 2016, says Julianne and African-American women campaign and the 20th anniver- slave ship from the 1500s to named for the African country. vice president for multicultural Malveaux, an economist and are even less likely than that. sary of the Million Man March the administration of President • A section called the power of leadership at AARP. former president of Bennett In terms of access to capital, College for Women. no African American has a “African-American women level playing field.” have earned degrees, have The Wall Street Journal moved up the ladder, and reported in 2014 that black- Young people can impact world by have found corporate America owned businesses, which sometimes wanting and have once received 8.2 percent of found the mainstream diffi- all loans from the U.S. Small cult,” Malveaux says. “There- Business Administration, had ‘Standing on the Shoulders’ of mentors fore, the 322 percent increase dropped to only 2.3 percent. is a function of people being From a black man’s per- By Edna Kane-Williams very skilled and talented and spective, it has been inspir- TriceEdneyWire.com not finding space for them- ing to observe the growth of When Jajuan Chain, a history selves in the traditional pipe- entrepreneurship among de- major at Morehouse College in lines. And so they are going termined black women, says Atlanta, needed to interview into creating their own.” Howard R. Jean, co-founder of someone for a class assignment, Margot Dorfman, CEO of the Black Male Entrepreneur- he reached out to 1960s civil the U.S. Women’s Chamber of ship Institute. He concludes rights icon Lonnie C. King Jr., a Commerce, agrees. “Women the growth is spurred, in part, founding member of the Student of color, when you look at the by black women increasingly Non-Violent Coordinating Com- statistics, are impacted more realizing their worth. mittee and founding chairman of significantly by all of the nega- “It comes to a point when The Committee on Appeal for tive factors that women face. women have stopped begging Human Rights. It’s not surprising that they for a seat in the boardroom After their first encounter, have chosen to invest in them- and began creating their own,” neither King, 79, nor Chain, 22, selves,” Dorfman told Fortune Jean says. “Realizing their ever expected that within weeks magazine. value on the open market and they would become mentor and Yet, Malveaux points out, it capitalizing on the certifica- protégé working on an organiza- is crucial to note that despite tion pools that increase their tional project involving Histori- the growth of black women opportunities for success in cally Black Colleges and Uni- entrepreneurs due to their tal- business, women are now in versities and other universities ent and tenacity, they are still a a position of influence in the in Atlanta that Chain believes huge minority when compared business community.” will impact the rest of his life. to white women. Edna Kane-Williams is se- Chain says that King is tak- BlackEnterprise.com reports nior vice president for multi- ing the time to share his expe- that women in general now cultural leadership at AARP. rience to train him as a young leader. And their collaboration is working. “We want more than a movement,” Chain says. “We want something that’s going to CBC’s Butterfield last for generations, something that’s going to have substance Morehouse College student Jajuan Chain and Georgia State University student Samaria Muhammad listen commemorates Black that will not only have a national as civil rights veteran Lonnie King explain principles of leadership and organization. PHOTO CREDIT: SHEILA impact, but an international im- PREE BRIGHT pact.” History Month Unlike King and Chain, clar- fighting the same fight that their the same social evolution as cial student group consisting ity and understanding between parents and grandparents were you with technology and other of blacks, Latinos and forward- The Mississippi Link Newswire to simply reflect on the history young and older generations has fighting.” things. But they understand the thinking white students who WASHINGTON, D.C. – from which we have come, but not always been the case dur- Bright recently organized a principles, and that’s something may have different perspectives Congressional Black Caucus it is critical that we also rec- ing recent uprisings against po- forum featuring young activists that I’ve been adopting in my on the same problem. Seeing his Chairman G. K. Butterfield ognize the importance of how lice killings of unarmed African on a panel and elders in the au- life.” vision coming together, Chain (NC-01) released the follow- these pressing issues will af- Americans over the past several dience. She discovered that the So far, King says he has says he is amazed at what he is ing statement in recognition of fect our future if not addressed years. Photographer Sheila Pree youth needed to be heard. But taught Chain and his co-leaders achieving by listening to King. Black History Month: today. Bright, who documented recent when young people also listen, key battle strategies and how to “He’s showing us how to cre- “Opportunity and the chance “So this Black History demonstrations in Ferguson, they are sometimes “lost for organize people to make lasting ate a mass organization and how for every individual in this Month, and as we celebrate Mo., and Baltimore, has been an words when asked how they are change. “Marches and rallies to organize people. And he’s country to achieve their full history and culture let us also eyewitness to the friction. going to do certain things...We don’t solve problems, but basi- shaping me on how to be a more potential should be guaranteed take the time to recommit to “Based on my experience don’t know how powerful we cally raise people’s awareness profound leader and how to de- to all citizens. Yet, there are working together to find real from being on the ground, a lot are together.” of what’s going on,” King says. velop well thought-out ideas,” many challenges that African solutions to the problems that of young people are angry at the That’s where the wisdom of “You’ve got to have that back- Chain says. “He’s actually Americans continue to face continue to plague African- elders from the civil rights move- the elders come in, Chain says. drop of organization if you’re molding me to become a leader. – from high unemployment, American communities across ment,” she says. “They said that “If you want to go far, you re- talking about institutional And I’m truly grateful for that.” disparities in health and educa- the country. Together, we will it seems that after Dr. King got ally have to learn from some- change.” Edna Kane-Williams is senior tion, voter disenfranchisement, ensure a better, brighter and assassinated they dropped the one who’s done it before you. Following King’s advice, vice president for multicultural mass incarceration, to persis- more equitable future for all ball and they feel like they are They may not be caught up in Chain is organizing a multira- leadership at AARP. tent poverty. It is not enough Americans.” STATE

6B • THE MISSISSIPPI LINK FEBRUARY 25 - MARCH 2, 2016 www.mississippilink.com UMMC confronts drop in black male medical students on recruitment day By Gary Pettus Emergency Department; and Special from UMMC the Simulation Center in the Michael Chiadika said his bid Classroom Wing. to get into medical school was Representing a half-dozen of like a quarterback throwing “a Mississippi’s universities and Hail Mary shot.” Learning the colleges and at least two Jack- ropes depended a great deal on son high schools, the visiting luck and prayer. students also heard from phy- Apparently, many African- sicians, residents and medical American males like Chia- students about how to prepare dika have been there – to the for, afford, survive and cherish point that they may be giving medical school. up on, or are not even trying, Dr. Gerald McKinney, asso- to become doctors: While the ciate professor of surgery, ad- number of black male college Patrick Parker, (far right) nurse practitioner, monitors the vital signs dressed the myth of “the perfect graduates has risen, the number of a mannequin serving as a trauma patient during a tour of the Sim- Among the panelists are, from left, Dr. Shawn McKinney, associate student” – that is, that you have applying to medical school has ulation Center Lab. Observing are (from left) tour leader Dr. Jeremy professor of surgery, Dr. Gerald McKinney (with microphone), associ- to be one to gain admission and sunk. Courtney, a first-year internal medicine resident; Deniko Montgomery ate professor of surgery and Dr. Michael Holder, associate professor graduate. In an effort to find out why, from Jackson State University; Kenyatta Poe, an RN at UMMC; and of pediatrics and executive director of simulation and interprofession- “There is no such thing as and to do something about it, Roderick McDowell, also from JSU. al education. PHOTOS COURTESY OF UMMC a perfect student,” he told the Chiadika of Jackson joined an- visitors. “We have some magna other second-year medical stu- cum laudes, some summa cum dent, Jeremy Stocks of Jackson, laudes and some ‘thank Lawd- to put together a first-of-its-kind ys.’” campus visit that drew around Jamarius Waller of Brookhav- 30 black male college and high en said, that as a first-year medi- school students to the Universi- cal student, “I get a sense of, ty of Mississippi Medical Cen- yes, I’m doing something great. ter Dec. 5, 2015. It’s a blessing to be in this class- “We want them to see black room. It’s not something I’ll medical students and black doc- ever take for granted.” tors and know that we exist,” Still, the panel of physicians Chiadika said, “and know that and residents did not soft-pedal they can do this, too.” medical-school realities. That message was the cen- “Finishing it and your resi- terpiece of the African-Ameri- M2s, (from left) Jeremy Stocks and Michael Chiadika A student prepares to pose a question for Dr. LouAnn Woodward dency is a long process,” said can Male Student Recruitment Dr. Eric Davis, an internal med- Program, and an urgent one in icine fellow. “When things are light of the report: “Altering the at their worst, you cannot quit. Course: Black Males in Medi- “I just want you to be pre- cine.” pared for a fight, but you can Presented last summer by the win that fight.” Association of American Medi- Dr. Gaarmel Funches, direc- cal Colleges, it’s a call to action tor of community education/ based on the decline of black outreach, outlined programs male medical – school appli- that have made the fight easier cants – from 1,410 in 1978 to for all medical students. 1,337 last year. Among them is prematricula- The reversal is troubling to tion, a summer-time initiative Dr. LouAnn Woodward, vice that allows entering first-year chancellor for health affairs and students to get a head start on dean of the School of Medicine, histology, biology and gross who addressed the assembled Dr. Gaarmel Funches, director of community education/outreach, describes pipeline, prematriculation anatomy. “If you’re going to students Dec. 5, 2015, urging Lowe and other programs that can help ease a student’s entry into medical school. pass out,” Funches said, “then them to “stay the course” if they get it over with and do it in the decided to study medicine. of African-American male role like this really helps: ‘This is more people like me; outside, I student affairs in the School of summer.” “When you decide where to models in medicine. the path I need to take.’” don’t get that so much.” Medicine. With help from other Dr. Michael Holder, associ- go to medical school, I want “We’re losing prospective Les Mills of Gluckstadt, Reversing this nationwide students and faculty, Chiadika ate professor of pediatrics and you to come here,” she said. “I students in middle school,” said who’s in his mid-thirties, had trend is important for the sake and Stocks laid out a course. executive director of simulation want everyone in this room to Lesley Edwards, director of shunned medical school for of America’s health, the AAMC “I’d had a meeting with the and interprofessional education be part of the army that makes a medical school admissions. years in favor of a career as reports: With a more diverse African-American male M2 stu- praised prematriculation with a difference in Mississippi.” Some of the specters raised a paralegal. “Part of it was I group of physicians, greater ac- dents and was impressed with basketball analogy: “This is like The number of African- by the AAMC report were lacked the feeling that I could cess to care is more likely for how they had handled the M1 being thrown an alley-oop and American males enrolled in or broached by students during the accomplish this,” he said. “But patients with low incomes, ra- challenge,” Clark said. “I told you have a stepladder.” Simi- graduating from medical school recruitment program. I’ve begun to believe this is cial and ethnic minorities, peo- them about the AAMC report larly, organizers of the event has also dropped. Such falloffs “Many of us really don’t something I can do.” ple who depend on Medicaid, and they planned this program hoped to give prospective stu- have touched no other minor- know what it takes to get to Mills has received some help- and more. in response; this was student- dents a leg up. As far as Myron ity group – a decrease blamed medical school,” said Michael- ful information from UMMC, One way to recruit more black driven.” Evans was concerned, it did. on such real or perceived barri- Ryan Lowe, a biological sci- he said. “But the more I can males to medical school is to let The daylong visit featured “It’s amazing,” said Evans, ers as limited knowledge about ences major at Mississippi State find out the better. I’m a sponge them “test drive” it, said Dr. tours of the Gross Anatomy a Murrah High School senior. the career path, the high costs University. “I’ve done a lot of right now. And since I’ve been Jerry Clark, chief student affairs Lab, where medical students “It did change my view of how of medical school and the lack research about it, but an event here on campus today, I’ve seen officer and associate dean for dissect human cadavers; the much I can do.” Hinds County Head Start grads sought Local AKA sorority responds Mississippi Link Newswire know your story of success. and also help us to learn from past Hinds County Human Re- To complete the survey online, performance and identify oppor- source Agency began operating visit www.hchra.org. The links to tunities for improvement.” to in Flint, Mich. Head Start programs in 1966 with the surveys will be posted under Last year, the nation celebrated the purpose of educating pre- Popular Topics and Latest News 50 years of serving and educat- school children from low-income on HCHRA’s home page. ing more than 32 million under- Mississippi Link Newswire families and preparing them to be Two surveys are available privileged children in the United The water crisis in Flint, ready to enter kindergarten. – one for those who attended States through the Head Start Mich., has spurred a local soror- HCHRA is interested to find Head Start and one for the fam- program. ity to action. When members of out where graduates are and what ily members of someone who has “It’s a program that has been Rho Lambda Omega chapter of impact Head Start had in their attended Head Start. If a survey built on opportunity and determi- Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, lives. The agency is seeking the respondent fits both criteria, a nation,” said Cockrell. “In recent Inc. learned of the crisis in Flint community’s assistance to spread person can complete both sur- years, I am especially encouraged they knew that they had to be in- the word about the Head Start veys. Survey respondents are also that the foundation of the pro- volved in the efforts to provide alumni and families of Head Start encourage to share the links with gram has grown to include class- safe and accessible water to the alumni surveys that have recently friends and family members who room development dedicated to citizens in that community. become available. may have been part of Head Start. technology and innovation, while In response to the crisis, the As HCHRA marks 39 years “HCHRA is extremely proud still addressing the emotional, so- sorority launched an initiative of successful operations as the of the positive impact the Head cial, health, nutritional and psy- to raise money to support the ef- Members of Rho Lambda Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha So- Community Action Agency serv- Start program has had on children chological needs of the children forts in Flint. rority, Inc ing more than 30,000 disadvan- and families in Hinds County,” we serve and their families.” The Global Impact, Health taged citizens in Hinds County, said HCHRA president and CEO Since its start, more than Promotions and Family laborative raised funds in excess president. “For over a century, the agency finds that it is impor- Kenn Cockrell. “In an ever- 60,000 children and their families Strengthening Committees col- of $1,000 to support the efforts AKA has answered calls to ac- tant to document and celebrate changing political climate, partic- in Hinds County alone have re- laborated to conduct an educa- in Flint. tion within our community. Rho the achievements of those it has ularly related to early education, ceived a quality early childhood tional workshop that discussed “Addressing the water crisis Lambda Omega is proud to con- served. one thing holds steady, the loyalty education. access to clean water as a human in Flint, Michigan, is a direct tinue that tradition of service to Whether a person was a stu- and support of former Head Start For more information about right as outlined by the United correlation with Alpha Kappa all mankind.” dent, parent or guardian, HCHRA students and parents. the Head Start alumni survey, Nations and thehealth effects of Alpha’s International Service For more information about invites all who have been served The survey gives alumni anoth- call HCHRA’s Planning and De- lead in water, especially among Program, Launching New Di- the Alpha Kappa Alpha targets, by the Head Start program to take er way to give back. It will help velopment Department at (601) pregnant women and children. mensions of Service,” said contact Sandra Hayes at (601) a brief online survey, so they can to promote the program’s success 923-3930. During the workshop, the col- Sharon Bridges, Esq., chapter 208-0863. STATE

www.mississippilink.com FEBRUARY 25 - MARCH 2, 2016 THE MISSISSIPPI LINK • 7B

Leadership change Founder’s legacy garners Humanities announced at JSU’s School of grant for Hinds CC Utica Campus Public Health Mississippi Link Newswire text. An annotated version of this Mississippi Link Newswire UTICA – Hinds Community Col- book will help students and faculty Jackson State Uni- lege’s Utica Campus has received a understand who Holtzclaw was and versity’s provost and grant from the National Endowment why his founding of this school is senior vice president for the Humanities (NEH) grant to important in the Mississippi Black for Academic and highlight the work of the campus’ Experience.” Student Affairs, Ev- founder, William Holtzclaw, a pio- Fuller said he is eager to connect elyn J. Leggette, has neer in African American education. students with the work. announced a change Black Man’s Burden: William “I am thrilled that the NEH has of leadership in the Holtzclaw and the Mississippi recognized the importance of Dr. School of Public HBCU Connection will contribute Holtzclaw’s legacy here in Mis- Health. Shahbazi to a growing body of research and sissippi. His story of perseverance Dr. Mohammad Shahbazi, a tenured interest in the “Little Tuskegees” as in the face of adversity is one that professor, has been named interim dean important forerunners of the Civil deserves a wider audience. As an of the School of Public Health. Shahbazi Rights Era in the Deep South. instructor, I’m excited about the op- has served previously as associate dean William Holtzclaw is the founder portunities to engage our students and chair in the College of Public Ser- of the Utica Normal and Industrial directly in this research.” vice. Shahbazi will succeed Dr. Dorothy Institute, which later became Utica This project builds on the work the Browne, who will join the Division of Re- Junior College, and is now the Utica William H. Holtzclaw Library spear- search and Federal Relations as a research Campus of Hinds Community Col- headed with the Utica Institute Trav- development officer. Shahbazi has served lege. The campus still has its status eling Exhibit and the Utica Normal Jackson State University for 16 years. as an Historically Black College and and Industrial Institute collection at Professor Shahbazi has credentials in University. the Mississippi Digital Library. higher education with degrees in cultural This two-year research program The project, like all NEH awards, anthropology, computer education and is designed to equip faculty and has gone through four levels of re- public health. His experiences include a student-scholars to explore themes view to reach the award stage. solid record of publications, presentations in Holtzclaw’s writing in humanities Level 1: Knowledgeable persons and professional services on the local, courses, combined with the develop- independent of the agency read each state, national and international levels. He ment of a Summer Teachers’ Insti- application and advise the agency holds membership in several professional tute and teaching resource kit that about its merits. organizations. will be used by other institutions to Level 2: NEH’s staff synthesizes “I am looking forward to working extend the work beyond the institu- the results of the outside review and closely with Dr. Shahbazi in his expanded tion. prepares a slate of recommendations role,” Leggette said. “We are grateful to The work will be focused on the for the National Council on the Hu- Dr. Dorothy Browne for her contributions critical study of Holtzclaw’s 1915 manities. to the School of Public Health. The uni- autobiography as an important mark- Level 3: The National Council Jean Greene (left) and Dan Fuller are co-directors of the project to highlight the work versity will continue to build upon her er of African American education in meets in Washington, DC, to advise of William Hoytzclaw — founder of Hinds Community College’s Utica Campus. PHOTO work.” the Deep South. One outcome of the COURTESY OF HINDS CC. the Endowment’s chairman on appli- project will be to publish a digitally cations and matters of policy. typeset edition of Black Man’s Bur- The co-directors of the project er Award recipient for Hinds. Level 4: The chairman considers For information about advertising in den, with critical notes, to support are Jean Greene, head librarian and “Students have struggled with the the advice he or she has received and student study both at the high school Holtzclaw Collection Archivist, and text of the book,” Greene said. “The makes the final funding decisions. The Mississippi Link and college level through our sum- Dan Fuller, English instructor on the timeline is not linear so students All levels of the review process please call: 601-896-0084 mer teacher’s institute and humani- Utica Campus, who is also the 2015- have difficulty keeping the process prior to the chairman’s decision are or e-mail [email protected] ties course. 2016 Mississippi Humanities Teach- of the creation of the school in con- advisory. www.mississippilink.com

Dr. Stephen Lu of University of Southern California, Viterbi School of Engineering. CLASSIFIED

8B • THE MISSISSIPPI LINK FEBRUARY 25 - MARCH 2, 2016 www.mississippilink.com

LEGAL LEGAL

Job Vacancy Announcement Request for Proposals ry, all interested minority and female business enterprises as well as locally based businesses interested in this contract are encouraged to attend. PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR – City of Yazoo City, PO Box 689 City of Jackson, Mississippi Yazoo City, MS 39194 Copies of the Request for Proposals are on file and open to public inspec - Professional Services for tion in the office of the (1) Public Works Administration, Department of Pub- Closing Date: Open until filled. The City intends to fill this position as soon Operation, Maintenance, and Management of Wastewater Facilities lic Works, Jackson, Mississippi; and (2) City Clerk in Jackson, Mississippi. as practical. The City of Jackson, Mississippi (“City of Jackson”) is soliciting propos- The Request for Proposal is available on the City of Jackson’s Website JOB SUMMARY: To plan, direct, and manage the activities, projects and op- als from qualified firms interested in providing full service Operation, Main- at http://www.jacksonms.gov/bids.aspx. All Addenda to the RFP will be erations of street maintenance and construction, grounds maintenance, engi- tenance and Management of wastewater treatment facilities, 98 pumping posted on-line. neering, traffic engineering, building maintenance, and solid waste collection stations, associated infrastructure appurtenances, as well as monitoring and disposal. Ensure the efficient production of machinery and operations of industrial users. Proposals will be received by the City of Jackson, Missis- Additional information and assistance regarding this contracting opportuni- equipment, physical plant, and grounds are in accordance with state law, city sippi, at the office of the City Clerk, City Hall, 219 South President Street, ty may also be obtained through the MS Procurement Technical Assistance ordinances, policies, rules and regulations; to coordinate assigned activities P.O. Box 17, Jackson, Mississippi 39205 until 3:30 P.M. Local Time, on Program, of the Mississippi Contract Procurement Center, which can be with other city departments and outside agencies and contractors; Tuesday, April 26, 2016 for Professional Services for Operation, Mainte- found at: www.mscpc.com. nance, and Management of Wastewater Facilities. Qualifications: Included, but not limited to operational characteristics, ser- The City of Jackson is committed to the principle of non-discrimination in vices and activities of a comprehensive public works program; management Proposals (one original and eight copies) as well as one CD shall be sub- public contracting. It is the policy of the City of Jackson to promote full and skills to analyze programs, policies and operational needs; construction tech- mitted with information requested in Section 2.3 A., Technical Proposal, of equal business opportunity for all persons doing business with the City. As niques involving streets and roads, drainage systems, flood control and sani- the Request for Proposals (excluding information requested in Section 2.3 a pre-condition to selection, each contractor, bidder or offeror shall submit tary sewers. A complete list of qualifications may be requested from the Office B., Cost Proposal Format and Content), sealed in an envelope and plainly a completed and signed Equal Business Opportunity (EBO) Plan, with the of the City Clerk at 662-746-1401 or [email protected]. marked on the outside of the envelope: “Proposal for Professional Servic- bid submission, in accordance with the provision of the City of Jackson’s es for Operation, Maintenance, and Management of Wastewater Facilities.” Equal Business Opportunity (EBO) ordinance. Failure to comply with the Experience: Eight years of increasingly responsible experience in public City’s ordinance shall disqualify a contractor, bidder, or offeror from being works management, construction or a related field, including four years of The original completed and signed Cost Proposal Forms (Section 2.3 B. awarded an eligible contract. For more information on the City of Jack- administrative and supervisory responsibility. Cost Proposal Format and Content) shall be submitted in a separate sealed son’s Equal Business Opportunity Program, please contact the Office of envelope labelled “Original Cost Proposal Forms for Professional Services Economic Development at 601-960-1055. Copies of the ordinance, EBO Training: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with for Operation, Maintenance, and Management of Wastewater Facilities.” Plan Applications and a copy of the program are available at 200 South major course work in civil engineering, public administration, business admin- President Street, Room 223, Hood Building, Jackson, Mississippi. istration or a related field. One original and eight copies of the completed and signed EBO Plan shall be submitted in a separate sealed envelope labelled “Original EBO Plan The City of Jackson, Mississippi (“City of Jackson”) is committed to culti- Additional Requirements: Valid driver’s license and the possession of, or abil- for Professional Services for Operation, Maintenance, and Management of vating and ensuring the quality of life of its citizens, through various pro- ity to obtain, an appropriate, valid Class C driver’s license. Wastewater Facilities.” grams, employment, initiatives, and assistance. The City encourages all persons, corporations, and/or entities doing business within the City, as Residency: All employees of the City of Yazoo unless a waiver has been ap- Proposals will be assessed, rated, and the selection made based on the well as those who seek to contract with the City on various projects and/ proved by the governing authorities in accordance with law must reside within following criteria: or conduct business in the City to assist the City in achieving its goal by Yazoo County, Mississippi. All employees shall establish residency in Yazoo • Overall Qualifications and Experience: Qualifications and Technical Ex- strongly considering City residents for employment opportunities. County Mississippi within six (6) months of employment and shall maintain perience of Key Personnel; Firm Experience including relevant project ex- residency within Yazoo County during the term of their employment. perience (Past Performance on Previous contracts of similar nature) The City of Jackson hereby notifies all bidders that in compliance with Title • Wastewater Facilities Operations Approach including strategies for wet VI of the , as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2000d to 2000d-4 Background: A criminal background check will be conducted along with a de- weather operations and staffing plan that all bidders will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response partment of motor vehicles background check. Prior to starting work, applica- • Wastewater facilities maintenance and capital improvements approach to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of tions must submit to pre-employment drug test physical, and psychological including cost efficiency race, color, national origin, sex, or disability in consideration for an award. exam by a physician designated by the City of Yazoo City paid for by the City. • Compliance History • Financial Capacity The City of Jackson reserves the right to reject any and all proposals and How to Apply: Resume with a completed application must be submitted to • Cost Proposal to waive any informalities or irregularities therein. the City Clerk’s Office, City of Yazoo City, 128 E Jefferson St, Yazoo City, A MANDATORY Pre-Proposal Meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 7, MS 39194. Applications may be obtained from the City Clerk 662-746-1401, 2016 at 10:00 AM CST in the Andrew Jackson Conference Room of the Kishia L. Powell Terry Williamson, Legal Counsel [email protected] or www.cityofyazoocity.org Warren Hood Building, 200 South President Street, Jackson, Mississippi Director of Public Works 39201. This meeting is mandatory for ALL firms interested in pursuing this We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, work as a prime contractor including members of joint ventures. Gus McCoy, Chief Administrative Officer creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status. The City of Yazoo City is a The pre-proposal conference will be immediately followed by a networking 2/25/2016, 3/3/2016 “Drug Free Workplace”.. session for interested firms. While the networking session is not mandato-

2/25/2016 3/03/2016 3/10/2016 3/17/2016

LEGAL

Advertisement to Accept Applications for Midtown Homes & Midtown Cottages

The Jackson Housing Authority (JHA) will begin accepting applications for the Midtown Homes (2 and 3 Bedroom) and Midtown Cottages (3 and 4 Bedroom) on Tuesday, March 1, 2016 during normal business hours. Ap- plications will be distributed and accepted at the JHA Central Office located at 2747 Livingston Road. JHA has established a preference for working families, where the head, spouse, co-head, or sole member is employed at least 20 hours per week. As required by HUD, families where the head, spouse, co-head, or sole member is a person age 62 or older, or is a person with disabilities, will also be given the benefit of the working preference. Public Housing assists low and very low income families and individuals by establishing their monthly rent based on the family’s income. Individu- als on the Jackson Housing Authority’s Section 8 Waiting List must submit a separate application if interested in these homes. This waiting list will remain open until further notice.

2/25/2016

LEGAL

Advertisement for RFP

RFP 2016-03 - District Assessment and Data Management Services

Sealed, written formal bid proposals for the above rfp will be received by the Board of Trustees of the Jackson Public School District, in the Business Office, 662 South President Street, Jackson, Mississippi, until 3:30 P.M. (Local Prevailing Time) March 24, 2016, at which time and place they will be publicly opened and read aloud. The Board of Trustees reserves the right to reject any and all rfps, to waive informalities, and to withhold the acceptance of any rfp if approved for forty-five calendar days from the date rfps are opened. Proposal and detailed specifications may be obtained free of charge by emailing HYPERLINK “mailto:[email protected]” [email protected] or picked up at Jackson Public School Dis- trict, Office of Research, Evaluation and Assessment, 624 S. President Street, Jackson, MS 39201 or down loaded from our Jackson Public School District website at HYPERLINK “http://www.jackson.k12.ms.us” www.jack- son.k12.ms.us.

2/25/2016, 3/3/2016

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

Advertisement for Bids

Bid 3028 – Roof Replacement for Brown Elementary School

Bid 3029 – Roof Replacement for Rowan Middle School

Sealed, written formal bid proposals for the above bids will be received by the Board of Trustees of the Jackson Public School District, in the Business Office, 662 South President Street, Jackson, Mississippi, until 10:00 A.M. (Local Prevailing Time) April 6, 2016, at which time and place they will be publicly opened and read aloud. One combined pre-bid conference con- cerning the projects will be held at the following location: Brown Elementary School, 146 East Ash Street, Jackson, MS 39202, on March 15, 2016, at 10:00 A.M. Attendance at the pre-bid conferences is non-mandatory but strongly suggested. The Board of Trustees reserves the right to reject any and all bids, to waive informalities, and to withhold the acceptance of any bid if approved for forty-five calendar days from the date bids are opened. A $100.00 deposit shall be required on each set of plans and specifications, to be refunded upon return of all documents in good condition, returned within two weeks of bid opening.

Proposal forms and detailed specifications may be obtained from Micro Printing and Blueprint, 225 E. Pearl Street, Jackson, MS 39201, Phone: 601-355-9543. For inquiries contact Durrell Design Group, 851 E. North- side Dr., Clinton, MS 39056, Phone: 601-708-4788, Fax: 601-488-4717, Email: [email protected]

Requester: Please provide company name, contact person and telephone number, physical address, email address if applicable and Certificate of Responsibility (COR) Number.

2/25/2016, 3/3/2016 CLASSIFIED

www.mississippilink.com FEBRUARY 25 - MARCH 2, 2016 THE MISSISSIPPI LINK • 9B

LEGAL LEGAL LEGAL

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS – NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS – NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS TAX INCREMENT FINANCING PLAN LYNCH CREEK DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS REDI MIX BRIDGE REPLACEMENT FONDREN DEVELOPMENT PROJECT Jackson, Mississippi Jackson, Mississippi CITY OF JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI PROJECT NO. 14B5009 PROJECT NO. 15B4505.701 MARCH 2016 Sealed bids will be received by the City of Jackson, Mississippi, until 3:30 Sealed bids will be received by the City of Jackson, Mississippi, until 3:30 P.M. CST, Notice is hereby given that the Mayor and City Council of the City of Jack- P.M. CST, Tuesday, March 15th, 2016 at the City Clerk’s Office located at 219 Tuesday, March 15th, 2016 at the City Clerk’s Office located at 219 S. President St., son, Mississippi (the “Governing Body” of the “City”), will hold a public hear- S. President St., for supplying all labor, materials and equipment as required for supplying all labor, materials and equipment as required under the plans and ing on MARCH 8 at 6 o’clock p.m. at the regular meeting place of the under the plans and specifications for the construction of Lynch Creek Drain- specifications for the construction of Redi Mix Bridge Replacement, City Project Governing Body at the City Hall of the City of Jackson, 219 South President age Improvements, City Project No. 14B5009. Please address envelope to No. 15B4505.701. Please address envelope to City Clerk, P.O. Box 17, Jackson, Street, Jackson, Mississippi, on the Tax Increment Financing Plan, Fon- City Clerk, P.O. Box 17, Jackson, MS 39205. MS 39205. dren Development Project, City of Jackson, Mississippi, December 2015 (the “TIF Plan”), for consideration by the Governing Body and requesting The entire project must be completed within 200 calendar days. The contract The entire project must be completed within (45) calendar days. The contract will that the TIF Plan be approved in compliance with The City of Jackson, Tax will be subject to liquidated damages in the amount Five Hundred Dollars be subject to liquidated damages in the amount Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) Increment Financing Redevelopment Plan, and further, to designate the ($500.00) per calendar day for each consecutive calendar day in which the per calendar day for each consecutive calendar day in which the contract time is project described in the TIF Plan as appropriate for development and tax contract time is exceeded. exceeded. increment financing. The City of Jackson is committed to the principle of non-discrimination in The City of Jackson is committed to the principle of non-discrimination in public The general scope of the TIF Plan is a proposal that the City, acting on be- public contracting. It is the policy of the City of Jackson to promote full an contracting. It is the policy of the City of Jackson to promote full an equal business half of itself and Hinds County, Mississippi (the “County”), will issue tax in- equal business opportunity for all persons doing business with the City. As opportunity for all persons doing business with the City. As a precondition to selec- crement financing bonds (the “Bonds”), in one or more series in an amount a precondition to selection, each contractor, bidder or offeror shall submit a tion, each contractor, bidder or offeror shall submit a completed and signed Equal not to exceed Three Million One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($3,100,000), completed and signed Equal Business Opportunity (EBO) ordinance. Failure Business Opportunity (EBO) ordinance. Failure to comply with the City’s ordinance in order to provide funds necessary to pay for the cost of acquiring and to comply with the City’s ordinance shall disqualify a contractor, bidder or shall disqualify a contractor, bidder or offeror from being awarded an eligible con- constructing various infrastructure improvements in connection with the offeror from being awarded an eligible contract. For more information on the tract. For more information on the City of Jackson’s Equal Business Opportunity Project (as defined in the TIF Plan), which may include, but are not nec- City of Jackson’s Equal Business Opportunity Program, please contact the Program, please contact the office of Economic Development at (601) 960-1856. essarily limited to, installation, rehabilitation and/or relocation of utilities office of Economic Development at (601) 960-1856. Copies of the ordinance, Copies of the ordinance, EBO Plan Applications and a copy of the Program are such as water, sanitary sewer, construction, renovation, or rehabilitation of EBO Plan Applications and a copy of the Program are available at 200 South available at 200 South President Street, Warren Hood Building, Second Floor, Jack- drainage improvements, roadways, curbs, gutters, sidewalks, site improve- President Street, Warren Hood Building, Second Floor, Jackson, Mississippi. son, Mississippi. ments, offsite improvements, surface and structured parking, relocation of electrical lines, lighting, signalization, landscaping of rights-of-way, related The City of Jackson, Mississippi (“City of Jackson”) is committed to cultivat- The City of Jackson, Mississippi (“City of Jackson”) is committed to cultivating and architectural/engineering fees, attorney’s fees, TIF Plan preparation fees, ing and ensuring the quality of life of its citizens, through various programs, ensuring the quality of life of its citizens, through various programs, employment, issuance costs, capitalized interest and other related soft costs (collective- employment, initiatives, and assistance. The City encourages all persons, initiatives, and assistance. The City encourages all persons, corporations, and/or ly, the “Infrastructure Improvements”). corporations, and/or entities doing business within the City, as well as those entities doing business within the City, as well as those who seek to contract with who seek to contract with the City on various projects and/or conduct busi- the City on various projects and/or conduct business in the City to assist the City in The Bonds shall be secured solely by a pledge by the City of the incre- ness in the City to assist the City in achieving its goal by strongly considering achieving its goal by strongly considering City residents for employment opportuni- mental increase in ad valorem tax revenues on real and personal property City residents for employment opportunities. ties. generated within the TIF District, as described in the TIF Plan, and will never be a general obligation of the City secured by the full faith, credit, The City of Jackson hereby notifies all bidders that in compliance with Title VI The City of Jackson hereby notifies all bidders that in compliance with Title VI of the and taxing power of the City or create any other pecuniary liability on the of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2000d to 2000d-4 that Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2000d to 2000d-4 that all bidders part of the City other than the pledge of the incremental increase in the ad all bidders will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will valorem taxes and sales tax rebates set forth above. The City intends to invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, national origin, sex, or enter into an Interlocal Cooperation Agreement with the County pursuant national origin, sex, or disability in consideration for an award. disability in consideration for an award. to the Regional Economic Development Act to support the Project and al- low for efficient use of proceeds of the bonds. The County is expected to Plans, specifications and contract documents are on file and open to public Specifications and Proposals forms are on file and open to public inspection on the pledge not to exceed fifty percent (50%) of the incremental increase in ad inspection at the City of Jackson Department of Public Works, Engineering 4th floor (Engineering Division) of the Warren Hood Building located at 200 South valorem tax revenues generated by the County’s general fund millage on Division, 200 S. President Street, (Warren Hood Bldg., Room 424), P.O. Box President Street, Jackson, MS 39205. One (1) copy of the Plans, Specifications, real and personal property generated within the TIF District to support the 17, Jackson, Mississippi, 39205, and Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. and Contract Documents may be procured from the Engineering Division, upon Bonds. The Bonds will likewise never be a general obligation of the County payment of $50.00 dollars, which will not be refunded. Please contact Charles Wil- secured by the full faith, credit, and taxing power of the County. If deemed One (1) copy of the Plans, Specifications and Contract Documents may be liams Jr., P.E., PhD (Engineering Manager), at (601) 960-1651 for directions or any necessary and appropriate, the City and the County may require additional procured from Stantec Consulting Services, Inc., 200 North Congress Street, additional information for procurement of plans and specifications. The Standard security from the developers of the Project. Suite 600, Jackson, Mississippi, 39202, upon payment of One Hundred Dol- Specifications adopted by the City Council may be procured from the Department lars ($100.00) by check, made payable to Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. of Public Works, if desired upon payment of $5.00 dollars for each specification. Construction of the Infrastructure Improvements and payment of the Bonds issued pursuant to the TIF Plan will be paid as hereinabove set forth and A Pre-Bid Conference will be held on March 1st, 2016, at 3:00 P.M. local time, A Pre-Bid Conference will be held on March 1st, 2016, at 2:00 P.M. local time, in the will not require an increase in any kind or type of taxes within the City or in the 5th floor conference room of the Warren Hood Building, 200 South 5th floor conference room of the Warren Hood Building, 200 South President Street, the County. President Street, Jackson, Mississippi. All potential contractors, subcontrac- Jackson, Mississippi. All potential contractors, subcontractors, and other interested tors, and other interested parties are encouraged to attend. parties are encouraged to attend. Copies of the TIF Plan and the Redevelopment Plan are available for ex- amination in the office of the City Clerk in Jackson, Mississippi. Bidders must be qualified under Mississippi law and possess a certificate of Bidders must be qualified under Mississippi law and possess a certificate ofre- responsibility issued by the Mississippi State Board of Contractors establish- sponsibility issued by the Mississippi State Board of Contractors establishing its The City and the County may exercise their authority under Chapter 45 of ing its classification as to the value and type of construction on which it is classification as to the value and type of construction on which it is authorized to Title 21, Mississippi Code of 1972, as amended (the “Act”), individually or authorized to bid. Each bidder must deposit with its proposal, a bid bond or bid. Each bidder must deposit with its proposal, a bid bond or certified check in an jointly, pursuant to an Interlocal Cooperation Agreement as authorized by certified check in an amount equal to five percent (5%) of the total bid for the amount equal to five percent (5%) of the total bid for the work, payable to the City of Sections 21-45-3 et seq., Mississippi Code of 1972, as amended. work, payable to the City of Jackson, as the bid security. Jackson, as the bid security.

This hearing is being called and conducted, and the TIF Plan has been pre- The successful bidder shall furnish a Performance Bond and Payment Bond The successful bidder shall furnish a Performance Bond and Payment Bond each in pared as authorized and required by Sections 21-45-1 et seq., Mississippi each in the amount of one hundred percent (100%) of the contract amount the amount of one hundred percent (100%) of the contract amount awarded. Attor- Code of 1972, as amended. awarded. Attorneys-in-fact who sign Bid Bonds or Payment Bonds and Per- neys-in-fact who sign Bid Bonds or Payment Bonds and Performance Bonds must formance Bonds must file with each bond a certified and effective dated copy file with each bond a certified and effective dated copy of their power of attorney. Witness my signature and seal, this the 29th day of December, 2015. of their power of attorney. Proposals shall be submitted in triplicate, sealed and deposited with the City of KRISTI MOORE, City Clerk Proposals shall be submitted in triplicate, sealed and deposited with the City Jackson’s City Clerk prior to the hour and date designated above. Each bidder shall of Jackson’s City Clerk prior to the hour and date designated above. Each write its certificate of responsibility number on the outside of the sealed envelope 2/25/2016 bidder shall write its certificate of responsibility number on the outside of the containing its proposal. sealed envelope containing its proposal. The City of Jackson reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to waive any LEGAL The City of Jackson reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to waive and all informalities any and all informalities NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING OF THE Kishia L. Powell Gus McCoy JACKSON HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION Kishia L. Powell Gus McCoy Director, Department of Public Works Chief Administrative Officer Director, Department of Public Works Chief Administrative Of- NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE JACKSON HISTORIC PRESER- ficer Terry Williamson VATION COMMISSION (JHPC) WILL HOLD ITS MONTHLY MEETING Legal Counsel OPEN TO THE PUBLIC ON WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2016, AT 12:00 P.M. Terry Williamson IN THE ANDREW JACKSON CONFERENCE ROOM (RM. 105) OF THE Legal Counsel 2/18/2016, 2/25/2016 WARREN HOOD BUILDING, 200 SOUTH PRESIDENT STREET, JACK- 2/18/2016, 2/25/2016 SON, MISSISSIPPI. ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS APPLICATIONS FOR CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS REQUEST FOR QUOTES FOR OLD BUSINESS DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION SOLID WASTE AND RECYCLING SERVICES at CASE NO. 2016-03, REQUEST BY: WERDNA B MCCLURKIN REV BUREAU OF BUILDING, GROUNDS AND JACKSON-Medgar EVERS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TRUST TO DO SITE MODIFICATIONS LOCATED AT 1344 SAINT MARY REAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT and HAWKINS FIELD Airport ST. IN THE BELHAVEN HISTORIC DISTRICT. JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI Project # 002-16

NEW BUSINESS Sealed bids will be received at the Bureau of Building, Grounds and Real INFORMATION FOR RESPONDENTS Property Management, 501 North West Street, Suite 1401 B, Jackson, Mis- CASE NO. 2016-02, REQUEST BY: CITY OF JACKSON (APPLICANT: sissippi, 39201, until 2:00:00 p.m. on Thursday, 03/17/2016 , for: The Jackson Municipal Airport Authority (“JMAA”) requests Quotes (“Quotes”) JAMES VAUGHAN) TO RENEW AN EXPIRED COA TO DEMOLISH THE for solid waste and recycling services for Jackson­Medgar Wiley Evers Inter- OLD COTTAGE HOME LOCATED AT 4750 CLINTON BLVD. RE: GS# 422-156 national Airport (“JAN”), and Hawkins Field (“HKS”). Energy Conservation Measures OTHER ITEMS Ellisville State School JMAA will receive Quotes to perform the Services at the offices of JMAA, Suite 300, Main Terminal Building, Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International ADJOURN at which time they will be publicly opened and read. Contract documents may Airport, 100 International Drive, Jackson, Mississippi 39208, until 12:00 p.m. be obtained from: on March 10, 2016 (the “Deadline”). 2/18/2016, 2/25/2016 Professional: HESM&A, a Mississippi Corporation JMAA will not consider any Quotes received after the Deadline for any reason Address: 617 Renaissance Way, Suite 100 whatsoever. Information for Respondents relating to this Request for Quotes ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Ridgeland, Mississippi 39157 is on file and open for public inspection at the offices of JMAA. The Informa- Phone: 601-856-5138 tion for Respondents contains a copy of the Request for Quotes, General Advertisement for Bid Email: [email protected] Information for Respondents, and Information Required from Respondents. Interested persons may obtain a copy of the Information for Respondents 3027 Audio/Video Automation Playout Playback Server A deposit of $100.00 is required. Bid preparation will be in accordance with from JMAA by contacting Mr. Chad G Parker, JMAA’s Procurement Special- Instructions to Bidders bound in the project manual. The Bureau of Building, ist, as follows: Sealed, written formal bid proposals for the above bid will be received by the Grounds and Real Property Management reserves the right to waive irregu- Board of Trustees of the Jackson Public School District, in the Business Of- larities and to reject any or all bids. NOTE: Telephones and desks will not be Jackson Municipal Airport Authority fice, 662 South President Street, Jackson, Mississippi, until 10:00 A.M. (Local available for bidders use at the bid site. 100 International Drive, Suite 300 (39208) Prevailing Time) March 15, 2016, at which time and place they will be publicly Post Office Box 98109 opened and read aloud. The Board of Trustees reserves the right to reject Glenn R. Kornbrek, Bureau Director Jackson, Mississippi 39298-8109 any and all bids, to waive informalities, and to withhold the acceptance of any Bureau of Building, Grounds and Real Property Management Attention: Chad G Parker, Procurement Specialist bid if approved for forty-five calendar days from the date bids are opened. Telephone No.: (601) 939-5631, ext. 516 Proposal forms and detailed specifications may be obtained free of charge 2/18/2016, 2/25/2016 Facsimile No.: (601) 939-3713 by emailing [email protected], calling (601) 960-8799, or docu- E-Mail: [email protected] ments may be picked up at the above address and may be downloaded from the RFPs & Bid Notices page on the JPS website at HYPERLINK “http:// LEGAL or from JMAA’s website at www.jmaa.com/resources/rfprfb-center/. www.jackson.k12.ms.us” www.jackson.k12.ms.us. NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING 2/25/2016 3/03/2016 2/18/2016, 2/25/2016 CITY OF JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI SIGN VARIANCE FOR EASTOVER JACKSON, LLC

THE JACKSON CITY COUNCIL WILL CONDUCT A PUBLIC HEARING ON For information about advertising in CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING THE SIGN VARIANCE FOR EASTOVER JACKSON, LLC TO RECEIVE CITIZEN INPUT IS SCHEDULED FOR TUESDAY, MARCH 8, 2016 AT 6:00 Tired of renting? Try affordable homeownership through Habitat for Humanity P.M. IN COUNCIL CHAMBERS AT THE CITY HALL BUILDING, 219 SOUTH The Mississippi Link Mississippi Capital Area. Learn more at an informational meeting at 5:30 p.m. PRESIDENT STREET, JACKSON, MS, 39201. INTERESTED CITIZENS March 3 at the Jackson Medical Mall Community Room; or call 601-353-6060 ARE ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND. PLEASE CONTACT THE SIGNS & LI- or visit http://www.habitatmca.org/. please call: 601-896-0084 CENSE DIVISION (601) 960-1154 FOR MORE INFORMATION. 2/18/2016 or e-mail [email protected] 2/18/2016, 2/25/2016 10B • THE MISSISSIPPI LINK FEBRUARY 25 - MARCH 2, 2016 www.mississippilink.com

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New Hope Water Continued from page 1 Continued from page 1 God. We are put on this Earth to serve, our terials containing lead. When lead/tips/water.htm; purpose is to serve,” she said. water is in contact with service - Households should never She said participation in pageants was lines and plumbing containing use hot water for drinking or never about wearing nice dresses and lead for several hours, the lead cooking; crowns. “It’s about service. It was never may enter drinking water. - Any child 5 years of age about me. It was about what I could do for Homes built prior to 1988 are or younger and any pregnant others.” more likely to have lead pipes woman should use filtered wa- Murray is continuing the development or solder. Public Water Systems ter or bottled water for drinking of her music and her education at Missis- like Jackson’s are required to and cooking; sippi State University through online stud- take measures that control cor- - Baby formula should be ies. She has moved to Nashville and has rosion by treated water. The “ready-to-feed” or prepared us- recently signed on with the Christian label city’s plants do have corrosion ing only filtered water or - bot Fair Trade Services. She is co-writing mu- control systems; however, this tled water; sic with producers and expects to release an exceedance signals an immedi- - Parents with children 6 EP in late summer or early fall. ate need to optimize the corro- years or younger should con- Murray also was featured on soundtrack sion control systems. tact their child’s pediatrician or for “God’s Not Dead 2.” Public Education about lead primary care provider to ensure And she still encourages girls not to grow Photos from “Youth Heritage Night: Committed to Moving Forward.” PHOTOS BY GEORGE and drinking can be found on adequate lead screening and up too soon with her pageant platform “13 BROOKS the City’s website, www.jack- blood testing have been per- Going on 30; A Kid in a 30-year-old Body.” sonms.gov. formed. “I encourage girls to embrace their age, MSDH also released infor- “Although the majority of this time you have right now. Don’t rush it,” mation regarding the water ad- home lead testing performed she said. “You have the time to pay bills, vising residents to take the fol- identified no lead, or lead below car insurance, etc.” lowing precautions: the action level of 15 ppb, we Murray finished her presentation singing - Before using tap water for are issuing these recommenda- “Beautiful.” drinking or cooking, run your tions as a special precaution for Before Murray’s talk, the program in- tap on cold for one to two min- young children and pregnant cluded a musical tribute by Vershaune utes; for more detailed informa- women,” said State Epidemi- Stamps and the Tougaloo College Women’s tion visit www.cdc.gov/nceh/ ologist Dr. Thomas Dobbs. Chorale. Black history moments were shared by Jazzlyn Loving, Lauryn Nelson and Cai- Tougaloo lyn Funchess who shared the podium with Continued from page 1 Murray. Megan Lewis did the welcome and Assata DeMyers introduced the speaker. ducing graduates who contribute ment and Exposure of students Thea Faulkner, one of the program orga- to the field of scientific research, to scientific Research), present- nizers, presented Murray with the Passing Cailyn Funches Jazzlyn Loving impacting millions of lives.” ing their research at the sympo- the Torch Award and thanked her for using The students and their men- sium, opportunities to spend the her platform to honor God. tors are as follows: day with prominent researchers Pastor Jerry Young said, “We cannot help Caitlyn Beasley is a sopho- when they visit each HBCU but be thankful for this young lady. Only more biology major from Can- campus to give lectures that will what you do for Christ will last.” ton. Her mentor is Mario Sims, be open to all students and fac- Last in New Hope’s series will be Feb. Ph.D., MS, FAHA. Sims, a ulty, and team building and lead- 25 at 6 p.m. in the Family Life Center, 5202 social epidemiologist, is an as- ership training as they bond with Watkins Drive, titled “Treasuring the Life sociate professor in the Depart- their peers in the program. of Emmett Louis Till.” It will feature film- ment of Medicine, University of “The American Heart Associ- maker Keith A. Beauchamp, whose docu- Mississippi Medical Center. He ation realizes the importance of mentary on the case “The Untold Story of is also a science officer and co- diversity in the field of science Emmett Louis Till,” lead to a Justice De- investigator in the Jackson Heart and understands how increasing partment reinvestigation of the case. Study. diversity enables more innova- Flonzie Brown-Wright is the series co- RaChard Brown is a freshman tive and effective research,” said ordinator. biology major from McComb. Dr. Donna Antoine-Lavigne, Stephanie R. Jones can be reached at sr- His mentor is Michael L. Jones, Multicultural Initiatives Com- [email protected] or (601) 454-0372. Ph.D. (c), R.N., M.S.N., M.B.A. mittee volunteer for the AHA’s Assata Demyers, Ava Lloyd and Jasmine Jones is the deputy director of Southeast Affiliate. “The Ameri- Lauryn Nelson Murray, Miss Mississippi 2014 the Myrlie Evers-Williams In- can Heart Association’s 2020 stitute for the Elimination of Impact Goal is to improve the Health Disparities as well as cardiovascular health of ALL Chief Community Health Offi- Americans by 20 percent, and cer for the Office of Population we hope these students will con- Health at the University of Mis- tinue this important work in the sissippi Medical Center. future.” Kendrique Morgan is a junior Each student in the program biology major from Port Gibson. was also awarded a $2,500 sti- His mentor is Ervin R. Fox, M.D. pend and travel awards to attend Fox, a University of Mississippi the American Heart Associa- Medical Center professor of tion’s annual Epidemiology and cardiology and Jackson Heart Prevention/Lifestyle and Car- Study researcher, has received a diometabolic Health Scientific Presidential Early Career Award Sessions March 1-4 in Phoenix, for Scientists and Engineers, the Ariz. highest honor bestowed by the The American Heart Associa- U.S. government on science and tion hopes to increase minority engineering professionals in the representation in research and Black History Program Committee early stages of their independent medicine to address alarming research careers. health disparities in Mississippi. Club Alexis Martin is a freshman The mortality rate of African Continued from page 1 biology major from Clinton. Americans with heart disease in Her mentor is Clifton C. Addi- Mississippi is 18 percent higher son, Ph.D. Addison is the senior than the state average and more of Prentiss – a unit of the Mississippi State research scientist at the Com- than 55 percent higher than Federation of Colored Women’s Clubs, as munity Outreach Center and the the national average, while the well as the NACWC – inducted new mem- Graduate Training and Educa- death rate for African Americans bers: Queen Ester Sutton, Minnie Magee tion Center of the Jackson Heart from hypertension is more than and Maxie Laird, all from the Prentiss area. Study. twice as high as white residents The ceremony, held at Lucas Tabernacle The program was designed of Mississippi. African Ameri- Church of Prentiss, was part of a program for outstanding students en- cans have the highest prevalence honoring Eureka Arts founder, Bertha L. rolled at HBCUs and serves as of hypertension, coronary heart Johnson, who started the local club in in a mechanism to support the de- disease, diabetes and obesity. 1927. Johnson was also co-founder and velopment of minority scientists Historically Black Colleges second president of Prentiss Institute. and physicians trained to impact and Universities graduate the Moreover, she was the first Mississippian understanding and treatment of largest numbers of African- to serve as president of the southeastern cardiovascular disease. It will American scholars in the field regional association of Colored Women’s provide opportunities for stu- of medicine (more than 70 per- Clubs. She also headed the business depart- dents to understand the impact cent of African-American medi- ment of the national organization. of cardiovascular disease in their cal professionals earn degrees The Feb. 20, program in Prentiss also Club member Ernestine Bridges presents Joephuse own community and to sample from HBCUs), but the numbers saluted black-owned businesses, acknowl- A photo of Joella Moore was on Laird, owner of Laird Mortuary, a certificate of apprecia- areas of scientific inquiry. The of students studying biological edging and showing appreciation for their display at the program. tion. AHA hopes to create a diverse sciences at these institutions has service to the Jefferson Davis County com- pool of exceptionally prepared been declining. munity and surrounding areas. and academically strong stu- In 1978, there were 1,410 The program also recognized African dents that are ready to engage in black male applicants to medical Americans who have shaped local and na- health professions. school, compared with 1,337 in tional history. The former group included Modeled on the successful 2014. Currently, only 3 percent Joella Moore, a widely respected midwife Meyerhoff Scholars Program, of professionals working in the in the first half of the 20th Century, in Jeff the students’ experience includes biological and medical sciences Davis County, whose image was captured a 16-week internship conduct- are African American. by news photographers and sent all over the ing cardiovascular research, In Mississippi, which has world, when she became the first black per- individual mentoring by a local the lowest number of doctors son to vote following passage of the 1965 cardiovascular researcher, travel per capita of any state, only 7 Voting Rights Act in Prentiss. award to an AHA International percent of doctors are African- Pictures of Moore, who is now deceased, Conference, travel award to an American, in a state where over were displayed at the program, alongside Annual P.E.E.R. Program Sym- 37 percent of the population is black artwork, books, antique dolls and posium (Promoting the Engage- African-American. hats. Her youngest son, 82-year-old Curtis Moore, who still lives in the area, said his The Eureka Arts Federated Club, a Prentiss unit of the National Association of Colored Wom- mother’s midwifery work kept her away en’s Clubs, inducted new members Queen Ester Sutton, Minnie Magee and Maxie Laird at a For information about advertising in from home sometimes for 11 or 12 days. ceremony held Feb. 20. PHOTOS BY NATALIE BELL “The whole time an expecting mother was in labor, my mother was there with her,” Two of Moore’s granddaughters are “She never lost a baby,” said Formisano, The Mississippi Link said Moore. “She would lay down and go members of the Eureka Arts Club, twin of her grandmother, adding, “Now, that’s please call: 601-896-0084 to sleep for two or three hours – and then sisters LaWanda Formisano and LaMildred saying something.” get up to go about doing her work.” Oatis. or e-mail [email protected] 12B • THE MISSISSIPPI LINK FEBRUARY 25 - MARCH 2, 2016 www.mississippilink.com

Courtroom Continued from page 1 house to register to vote, but one day she went alone to register herself. “My experience was like many other blacks. You went to the courthouse. You got a 21-item, two-page ques- tionnaire … when you got to item 17, you went to the registrar’s office and reached into a cigar box and pulled out a section of the Mississippi Constitu- tion. The section that I pulled out was on Habeus Corpus,” she says. Very few blacks knew what that section of the Constitution meant, but Brown wrote something. She figured if the registrar – L. Foote Campbell – was having a good day, he would allow her to write her name on the registra- tion book. After finishing the question- naire, she asked Campbell how she did and he told her she didn’t pass. Then she asked in a calm tone what was her mistake. “I knew not to get too loud because the sheriff’s office was right across the hall. I could have been pulled out of there, thrown in jail, beaten up, killed,” she says. Then Campbell told her, “Nigger, I told you, you didn’t pass. You get the hell out of my office.” That’s how all blacks were treated Brown-Wright said, not just her. Around this time, a lot of people in town were asking her to run for office, but she had no interest in politics – un- til the day Campbell put her out of his office. “The day he cursed me and put me Brown-Wright is shown on the Madison County Courthouse steps with , Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and protesters in 1966. PHOTO COURTESY OF CYNTHIA GOODLOE out of his office, I determined walking PALMER down the corridor of that courtroom . . . I resolved within myself that day that I was going to run for office, and I was going to get his job.” Brown-Wright was elected election commissioner of Madison County, Beat 1, Nov. 5, 1968. In October 2015, the Canton Board of Aldermen named the courtroom in City Hall the Flonzie Brown Goodloe Courtroom. The dedication will take place at 11:30 Bolden a.m. Friday at City Hall. From the time he was elected in 2013, Canton Mayor Arnel Bolden Brown-Wright with Rep. Brown-Wright with children Edward Goodloe Jr. (from left), Cynthia Goodloe Palmer and Oliver Goodloe knew he wanted to do something to honor Brown-Wright. “I’ve known about her tremendous strides (in civil rights) for years. I wanted to give her her flowers now. It’s a fitting tribute,” Bolden said. “As elected officials, we stand on the shoul- ders of those like Brown-Wright.” As it turns out, Brown-Wright’s work in the Civil Rights Movement al- most didn’t happen. She grew up in Farmhaven, and her family moved to Canton when she was about 5. “There was lots of love in our fam- ily. Lots of affirmation,” she said. Her parents – Frank Brown Sr. and mother, Little Pickett Dawson Brown – con- stantly told her and her two brothers, “You can be whatever you want to be. If anybody else can do it so can you.” Brown Wright uses several props during lectures to Her father worked hard being the explain voting procedures in the 1960s. Questions blacks were asked included, how many bubbles are first among his siblings to build a home Brown-Wright with her parents and siblings for his family. Her mother took care of in a bar of soap, how many feathers are on a chicken, the home. They didn’t believe in hand- how many jelly beans are in a jar of jelly beans. Brown- outs. Wright is author of a book titled, “Looking Back to Move Her mother always said, “When you Ahead.” earn a dollar no one can take it from you, but if they give it to you they can ask for it back.” Discrimination just wasn’t some- thing that was discussed in their home. In 1958, Brown-Wright left Missis- sippi to live in California. She returned in 1962 to care for a cousin who lived on the Coast and worked in Biloxi as a waitress. Daily she served three black attor- neys. “I would hear them talking about integrating the beaches, going to the meetings, talking about who went to jail, who got beat up and who was missing,” she said. Memorabilia from segregated times hangs in One day Attorney Jack Young men- Brown-Wright with Rev. Brown-Wright with Brown-Wright’s home. tioned how he hadn’t seen her at their meetings and told her she should attend Never saw myself as person who want- Fear in June 1966, following Meredith loe Palmer, is executive director of the Commission from 1974 to 1989. She to help with the Freedom Movement. ed fame, but just as a person who was being shot. Veterans of the Mississippi Civil Rights returned to Mississippi in 2010. She went one night to a meeting at a on a mission,” she said. “I knew who he was (on the phone) Movement at Tougaloo College. She describes life now as a “mixed church. “That church was rocking with Charles Evers appointed her to be because of the voice inflection. It’s Palmer says her mother constantly bag.” She still hurts at times over the and speakers,” she said. the branch manager of the NAACP of- hard not to know King’s voice. He affirmed her and her brothers when loss of very close loved ones. Both of During the time she was attending fice in Canton, which at the time was asked, ‘Can you provide housing and they were growing up. her parents died at age 89. Both of her regular meetings, Medgar Evers was defunct. The NAACP, SNCC, CORE, food for 3,0 00 people?’” “She told us we could be anything brothers passed at age 69. One son – murdered on June 12, 1963. COFO, The Freedom Movement, Mis- She agreed. we wanted to be. Be respectful and do Edward Goodloe Jr. – passed at age 53. “And that really set me on fire,” sissippi Freedom Democratic Party “I didn’t get nervous about it until I the right thing. Surround yourself with Her son, Oliver, moved back to Jack- Brown-Wright said. all worked collaboratively to gain the hung up the phone,” she said. But after positive people,” Palmer says. “I don’t son in September 2015 to be closer to She went back to Canton, a place right to vote. several calls and visits to merchants, think she really realizes the extent of his mom. that was pivotal in the Civil Rights Brown-Wright has worked with sev- friends and businesses, people agreed what she did during that time. She did She stays busy giving lectures on her Movement because of its population of eral icons in the Civil Rights Move- to open their homes and cook for the put her life on the line. The sacrifices civil rights experiences. She’s on the potential African-American registered ment including Dr. Martin Luther King marchers that were coming to town. she made still make an impact. She just lecture Board of the Mississippi Hu- voters. There were at least 10,000 po- Jr., , Annie Devine, Nothing deterred Brown-Wright keeps going and going. She was fear- manities Council, is a founding mem- tential registered voters but only about W.E. Garrett and Aaron Henry, just to from her work for equality – not even less. That’s where I get that from.” ber of Women of Progress and attends 100 blacks – mainly pastors and school name a few. She met being a divorced mom of three chil- Brown-Wright, who attended Touga- New Hope Baptist Church in Jackson. teachers – who were registered. on a couple of occasions. King called dren – two boys and one girl. She once loo College, left Mississippi again and Overall life is good. “When I came back to Canton, I was Brown-Wright directly after he took worked three jobs at a time to provide moved to Ohio in 1989. She worked “I love the Lord, He takes care of me ready. I never saw myself as a leader. over ’s March Against for them. Her daughter, Cynthia Good- for the Equal Employment Opportunity here. I’m having a good time living.” www.mississippilink.com FEBRUARY 25 - MARCH 2, 2016 THE MISSISSIPPI LINK • 13B BOOK REVIEW: “HERETIC: WHY ISLAM NEEDS A REFORMATION NOW” BYAYAAN HIRSI ALI • HARPER COLLINS PUBLISHERS PAPERBACK, $15.99 • 288 PAGES

By Kam Williams hadists the world over have be- damental problem,” she insists, Mississippi Link Newswire come even more emboldened, is the deafening silence of “the “Ayaan Hirsi Ali argues evidenced by beheading of majority of otherwise peaceful Crossword Puzzle that... Islamic extremists... are Christians just for being Chris- and law-abiding Muslims.” driven by a political ideology tian and murdering cartoonists The solution? Ayaan pro- embedded in Islam... She makes for making fun of the prophet poses five amendments to the a powerful case that a religious Muhammad. To her credit, the religion, starting with reexam- reformation is the only way fearless Ayaan has remained ining belief in the Quran as the to end the terrorism, sectar- an outspoken critic of a primi- immutable word of God. She ian warfare, and repression of tive faith seemingly stuck in the also wants her fellow Muslims women and minorities that each Middle Ages which has failed to drop their obsession with the year claim thousands of lives to keep up with the times. afterlife which makes them so throughout the Muslim world... In Heretic, she asserts that easy to recruit as suicide bomb- “Hirsi Ali shows there is no “Islam is not a religion of ers. And she calls for a rejection denying that some of Islam’s peace,” before calling for some of Sharia law, a code she claims key teachings – not least the Ali “fundamental alterations” to its keeps Muslims stuck in the 7th duty to wage holy war – in- core concepts. She fervently be- Century. spire violence not just in the Submission, a movie chroni- lieves that a modernization of It’s anybody’s guess whether Muslim world but in the West cling the religion’s misogyny its tenets is necessary to avert these controversial suggestions as well. [She] believes that a and culture of violence against the holy war with the West will be received as a viable Muslim Reformation – a revi- women. looming over the horizon. blueprint for a kindlier, friend- sion of Islamic doctrine aimed Instead of stimulating a Ayaan specifically indicts lier Islam or as the polarizing at reconciling the religion with healthy debate of the issue, the President Obama for repeatedly ravings of a disaffected turn- modernity – is [necessary] to picture’s release only enraged downplaying the ISIS threat coat. Regardless, at least Ayaan bring the religion out of the 7th radical Islamists who issued a while promoting Islam as a Hirsi Ali is a breath of fresh air ACROSS DOWN 1. Compass point 1. Scour Century and into the 21st.” – fatwa leading to the 2004 assas- “peaceful religion.” She vehe- as a brave, moderate Muslim 4. Moves effortlessly 2. Steam room Excerpted from the Bookjacket sination of the film’s director, mently disagrees and says his with the gumption to kickstart a 10. Auto 3. Nab Ayaan Hirsi Ali is a Somali Theo Van Gogh. A mullah also denial has only served to em- conversation most would prefer 11. Little __ Annie 4. Approach native who settled in Hol- issued a fatwa against Ayaan, bolden the terrorists determined to avoid at all costs. 12. Regret 5. Great ape land where she was eventually marking her as deserving death to hijack the religion. To order a copy of Heretic, 13. Percussion rattle 6. Spr.. month elected to the Dutch Parliament. for participating in the blasphe- However, according to the visit: http://www.amazon.com/ 14. Undetected 7. Pillow covering Disenchanted with the state of mous project. author, it is not Obama’s job exec/obidos/ASIN/0062333941/ 16. Clean 8. Mexican sandwich Islam, she wrote the script for Over the intervening years, ji- alone to turn the tide. “The fun- ref%3dnosim/thslfofire-20 17. Sheet of matted cotton 9. Join together 18. General practitioner 15. Estimated time of arrival 20. I see 19. Pressure unit 22. Scotsman 21. Large eastern religion 26. Charge 23. Raccoon-like animal 29. Feeblemindedness 24. Take place Why Bernie Sanders Matters: 31. Elite Greek infantry member 25. Kinds “ 33. American College of 26. Soft cheese from Greece Physicians (abbr.) 27. Vile A Nation Will Not Survive Morally or Economically When 34. Long scolding 28. Jewish scribe 35. Second day of the wk. 30. Hold So Few Have So Much and So Many Have So Little” 36. Noisy situation 32. Paddle 37. Internal Revenue Service © Feature Exchange

By Harry Jaffe • Regan Arts • Paperback, $17.95 • 238 Pages (For puzzle answer keys, see page 10B)

By Kam Williams Mississippi Link Newswire “What is the source of Bernie Sanders’ appeal? How did he be- come a socialist? How did he de- velop his ability to excite crowds? How can he make an audience for- get that he talks like a deli guy and sometimes looks like a rumpled old man ranting about rich people? “He first started talking about the gap between rich and poor in America and the disappearing middle class in 1970, 45 years before he announced his White House bid. He was considered an Jaffe anomaly and ignored. “Most politicians would have Nevertheless, the truth ought to socialist ideas. We learn that he changed course at that point. Not matter, and if you prefer to decide had his consciousness raised at an Bernie. Every speech, every ap- who to back based on the facts, early age, having been influenced pearance, he hammered away on you might like to check out “Why by the untimely demise of his par- the economic and political forces Bernie Sanders Matters,” a fasci- ents as well as the rise of the Civil that were killing America’s middle nating biography of the inveterate Rights Movement in the 1950s. class. socialist running for the Demo- While attending the University “He did it when it was out of cratic nomination. of Chicago in the 1960s, he be- fashion, when Republican conser- This informative book was came a student organizer for the vatives scoffed at him, and when written by Harry Jaffe, editor-at- Congress of Racial Equality. In the Democrats dismissed him. large at Washingtonian Magazine. that capacity, he participated in Now income inequality and sav- Earlier in his career, the reporter the very first sit-in in the history ing the middle class are the eco- served as press secretary to Patrick of the Windy City, a protest of nomic issues of the day. Leahy, Vermont’s senior senator, the school’s segregated housing “That’s only one of the reasons which means the author has close policy. (why) Bernie Sanders matters.” – ties to the state Sanders represents. To order a copy of Why Bernie Excerpted from the Introduction Jaffe traces the arc of Sanders’ Sanders Matters , visit: http:// (pages xi-xiii) life, starting with his working- www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ A low point in Sen. Berrnie class Jewish roots in Brooklyn ASIN/1682450171/ref%3dnosim/ Sanders’ presidential campaign ar- where he was first exposed to thslfofire-20 rived last summer in Seattle when a couple of sisters representing Sudoku the Black Lives Matter movement The challenge is to fill every row across, every column down, and every stormed the stage and snatched 3x3 box with the digits 1 through 9. Each 1 through 9 digit must appear the microphone away from him only once in each row across, each column down, and each 3x3 box. before he even had a chance to speak. The 74 year-old senator from Vermont ended up leaving the event. Today, Sanders is giving his Democratic rival Hillary Clin- ton a run for the money, but still isn’t getting much respect from the African-American commu- nity. After all, the Congressional Black Caucus recently endorsed his opponent, including Rep. John Lewis (D-GA), who specifically questioned the veracity of Sand- ers’ civil rights credentials. © Feature Exchange ENTERTAINMENT

14B • THE MISSISSIPPI LINK FEBRUARY 25 - MARCH 2, 2016 www.mississippilink.com ‘Far From Heaven’ Detective claims Biggie’s musical highlights race, mom suspects Combs, Knight By Ny MaGee Eurweb.com homosexuality in the 1950s According to retired LAPD detective Greg Kad- ing, Voletta Wallace believes Sean ‘Puff Daddy’ By Ny MaGee Combs and Suge Knight “had some responsibil- Eurweb.com ity” in the murder of her son, The Notorious B.I.G. Kading makes the claim during an interview Director Rob Lindsey explores rac- with the ‘Murder Master Music Show,’ in which ism and homosexuality in 1950’s he says he paid Voletta a visit at her home before American in the musical “Far From the release of his 2011 book, “Murder Rap: The Heaven,” which is based on Richard Untold Story of the Biggie Smalls and Tupac Greenberg’s book, with lyrics by Mi- Shakur Murder Investigations.” chael Korie, music by Scott Frankel, During the visit, Kading says that he “sat down and based off the 2002 movie featuring with her and explained to her what we had discov- Julianne Moore. ered in the police investigation. We sat there and it The story centers on a privileged sub- was a very emotional encounter, because she was, urban family whose lives are dictated I think, understanding clearly what had happened, by family etiquette, social events, and and I think she was starting to see that other peo- the desire to keep up with the Joneses. Voletta Wallace ple were responsible than who she had previously Their world is turned upside down believed based on the Russell Poole nonsense.” when both husband and wife engage in 1997. In his book, Kading explains why Poole’s inves- behavior that makes them gossip fod- The former officer says Wallace believed tigation into Biggie and Tupac’s murder was inac- der, but also changes their lives forever. Poole’s findings, until he presented her with his curate. His own investigation led him to conclude The plot gets real when wifey takes a own discoveries about the death of her son. that Diddy hired Crips gang member Duane Keith late-night surprise trip to her husband’s “I think she knows that all of these guys…Puffy “Keffe D” Davis to kill Shakur and Suge Knight. office and finds him kissing his male and Suge, all had some responsibility in the mur- Additionally, Kading alleges that Keffe D’s neph- co-worker. der of her son,” Kading says during the Murder ew, Orlando “Baby Lane” Anderson, shot Tupac Summer Naomi Smart and Bran- Master Music Show interview. in Las Vegas on Sept. 7, 1996. The rapper died don Springman star as husband and Biggie Smalls is consistently ranked as one of Sept. 13. As retaliation, Knight hired Bloods gang wife “Cathy and Frank Whitaker in the greatest and most influential rappers of all Summer Naomi Smart and Brandon Springman as “Cathy member Wardell “Poochie” Fouse to kill Biggie, Lindsey’s musical. The director, who time. He has certified sales of 17 million units in and Frank Whitaker” PHOTOS CREDIT: KYLE HAMMAN/KBH MEDIA who was gunned down in Los Angles March 9, himself recalls “coming out of divorce the United States. and the closet,” explores how homo- sexuality in the 1950s was viewed as a disease. Cathy begs Frank to seek out behavior therapy to “cure” him of his desire for other men. She doesn’t share Judge questions photos her troubles with her posh friends, in- stead, she finds comfort and a confidant in her black gardener, Raymond Dea- of 50 Cent with cash piles gan (played by Evan Tyrone Martin), per Rolling Out. The Associated Press A Windy City Times review of the HARTFORD, Conn. – Rapper 50 Cent has been play notes: “What remains unclear in ordered to appear in bankruptcy court in Connecti- 2016 is the purpose behind a narrative cut to explain photos showing him with wads of too idealized for any historical value cash. in terms of civil rights or gay libera- The Wall Street Journal reports that Judge Ann tion – Cathy may suffer from excessive Nevins told the rapper’s lawyer Thursday that sever- naivety, but surely Raymond knows al photos posted on Instagram made her concerned that crossing the color line will not end about allegations 50 Cent wasn’t being truthful well, and Frank opts to undergo draco- about his finances. A hearing date hasn’t been set. nian “conversion therapy” to cure his 50 Cent’s lawyer told the judge his client has re- This is one of a few images that have appeared on homosexuality against the advice of his ported all income. Rapper 50 Cent’s Instagram account. doctor.” The social media photos mentioned in court doc- If reliving America’s ripe racist past uments include one showing 50 Cent lying in bed for bankruptcy last year after a New York City jury through art, in order to better under- with bundles of $100 bills. ordered him to pay $7 million to a woman who said stand the present, tickles your fancy, Evan Tyrone Martin as “Raymond Deagan” The rapper was born Curtis Jackson III. He filed he posted her sex tape online. Tyson to receive ‘Sidney Poitier Award’ at BIFF fest

By Ny MaGee Eurweb.com Award-winning actress Cicely Tyson will receive the first-ever Sir Sidney Poitier Tribute Award at the Bahamas International Film Festival, at a ceremony tak- ing place later this month. The honor is in recognition of Ty- son’s “voice and presence in the arts for decades,” Jet magazine reports. “Cicely Tyson is an immensely gracious and beautiful woman, an extraordinary actress who has broken barriers in film and in her theatrical performances. Tyson is also known to be an advocate for civil rights and the basic of hu- man kindness. Cicely Tyson speaks during the I “She is the governess of acting Have A Dream Foundation “Spirit and a true role model for all men of the Dream” Gala at Gotham and women of color. She has bro- Hall Cicely Tyson on June 9, 2015 ken ceilings and paved the way in New York City. PHOTO BY CINDY for excellence and it is an incredi- ORD/GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA ble honor to have Cicely Tyson to receive the first Sir Sidney Poitier ways tried to use our career to not Tribute Award at the Bahamas only entertain, and enlighten, but International Film Festival,” said to educate as well.” BIFF Founder and Executive Di- During her career, Tyson has rector Leslie Vanderpool. been nominated for numerous Poitier has agreed to the nam- international awards, including ing of the prestigious Career an Academy Award, a Golden Achievement Award and Tyson Globe and a BAFTA. She was will be in attendance to receive nominated for twelve Primetime the trophy. Emmy Awards – winning three. “I am honoured to be receiving She has also won a Tony the first Sir Sidney Poitier -Trib Award, Outer Critics Award, ute Award,” Tyson says. “This and Drama Desk Award for Best award, in recognition of my dear Actress in a Play for her Broad- friend and colleague, delights my way performance in “The Trip to heart; both Sydney and I have al- Bountiful.” ENTERTAINMENT

www.mississippilink.com FEBRUARY 25 - MARCH 2, 2016 THE MISSISSIPPI LINK • 15B Blacks lead Diversity report confirms Hispanics in social Hollywood is ‘whitewashed’ networking By Jake Coyle including a pointed “inclusivity authors, in an interview. “We vasive underrepresentation, excluded” from directing jobs), TriceEdneyWire.com AP Film Writer index” of 10 major media com- don’t have a diversity problem. no matter the media platform, the Equal Employment Oppor- Whether it’s commenting on a one- NEW YORK – In one of the panies – from Disney to Netf- We have an inclusion crisis.” from CEOs to minor charac- tunity Commission last year handed grab a football player made, most exhaustive and damning lix – that gives a failing grade The study, titled the Com- ters. “Overall, the landscape began investigating gender dis- sharing pictures of a night on the town reports on diversity in Holly- to every movie studio and most prehensive Annenberg Report of media content is still largely crimination in Hollywood. or re-posting a trending news story, so- wood, a new study finds that TV makers. on Diversity, examined the 109 whitewashed,” the study con- The federal investigation is cial networking has become just anoth- the films and television - pro Coming just days before an films released by major studios cludes. just one element of growing er part of the media lifestyle for many duced by major media compa- Academy Awards where a sec- (including art-house divisions) In the 414 studied films and scrutiny for the industry. But U.S. consumers. nies are “whitewashed,” and ond straight year of all-white in 2014 and 305 scripted, first- series, only a third of speaking for protesters, finding a -tar It’s also an increasingly important that an “epidemic of invisibil- acting nominees has enflamed run TV and digital series across characters were female, and get for what some consider a way for networks, advertisers and ity” runs top to bottom through an industry-wide crisis, the 31 networks and streaming ser- only 28.3 percent were from systematic problem isn’t easy. agencies to get a read on viewer en- the industry for women, minor- report offers a new barrage of vices that aired from Septem- minority groups – about 10 Even many of those, like Spike gagement, help drive tune-in and even ities and LGBT people. sobering statistics that further ber 2014 to August 2015. percent less than the makeup of Lee, who have criticized the assist campaigns in boosting earned A study released Monday by evidence a deep discrepancy More than 11,000 speaking the U.S. population. Characters Academy of Motion Pictures media. the Media, Diversity and Social between Hollywood and the characters were analyzed for 40 years or older skew heavily Arts and Sciences, have in- According to Nielsen’s third-quarter Change Initiative at the Univer- American population it enter- gender, racial and ethnic rep- male across film and TV: 74.3 sisted the issue goes far deeper Comparable Metrics Report, social sity of Southern California’s tains, in gender, race and eth- resentation and LGBT status. percent male to 25.7 percent than Oscar nominees. networking continues to increase its Annenberg School for Com- nicity. Some 10,000 directors, writers female. When academy president overall reach across many different munication and Journalism “The prequel to OscarsSoW- and show creators were exam- Just 2 percent of speak- Cheryl Boone Isaacs recently platforms, screens and devices. offers one of the most wide- hite is HollywoodSoWhite,” ined, as was the gender of more ing characters were LGBT- announced dramatic steps to The report found that during an av- ranging examinations of the said Stacy L. Smith, a USC than 1,500 executives. identified. Among the 11,306 diversify the overwhelmingly erage week, 156 million adult consum- film and television industries, professor and one of the study’s The portrait is one of per- speaking characters studied, white and male film academy, ers engaged in social networking on only seven were transgendered she said: “The academy is go- a smartphone alone. That’s about 65 (and four were from the same ing to lead, and not wait for the percent of the U.S. population. That’s series). industry to catch up.” also a 13 percent increase in adult users “When we start to step back USC’s study, which the from the comparable week a year ago. to see this larger ecology, I school has been publishing in On tablets, social networking platforms think we see a picture of ex- various forms for the last 10 reach about 58 million U.S. adults clusion,” said Smith. “And it years, also seeks to add a new weekly – nearly a quarter of American doesn’t match the norms of metric in the conversation. The adults. the population of the United “inclusivity index” is a report The rise in reach of social network- States.” card for the performances of ing has been helped by the increasing Behind the camera, the dis- 21st Century Fox, CBS, NBC ubiquity of smartphones and tablets, crepancy is even greater. Di- Universal, Sony, the Walt Dis- which now can be found in 78 percent rectors overall were 87 percent ney Co., Time Warner, Viacom, and 54 percent of homes respectively, white. Broadcast TV directors Amazon, Hulu and Netflix. according to Nielsen’s third-quarter (90.4 percent white) were the Those companies encompass 2015 Total Audience Report. What’s least diverse. all the broadcast networks, more is that smartphone penetration Just 15.2 percent of directors, most major cable channels, all jumped 6 percentage points from the 28.9 percent of writers and 22.6 of the major movie studios and third quarter of 2014, while tablet pen- percent of series creators were three of the dominant stream- etration increased 10 percentage points. female. In film, the gender gap ing services. However, while social networking is greatest: Only 3.4 percent of Each was rated by their per- appeals to all races and ethnicities, the films studied were directed centage of female, minority marketers should take note: Differenc- by women, and only two di- and LGBT characters; and of es do exist in how these groups may be rectors out of the 109 were female writers and directors. sharing their digital voices or reading black women: Ava DuVernay None of the six major studios the voices of others. (“Selma”) and Amma Asante rated better than 20 percent For instance, social networking on (“Belle”). overall; Time Warner fared a PC reached more than 27 percent of Following a request made poorest of all with a score of black adults in a typical week – the in May by the American Civil zero. The report concludes that highest of any multicultural group Liberties Union (which cited the film industry “still functions among PCs – versus 23 percent for His- previous USC studies, as well as a straight, white, boy’s club.” panics. Social media’s weekly reach of as those by UCLA and the Di- Follow Film Writer Jake black consumers through tablets was rectors Guild in claiming wom- Coyle on Twitter at: http://twit- just under 20 percent and just 15 per- en have been “systematically ter.com/jakecoyleAP cent for Hispanics. 16B • THE MISSISSIPPI LINK FEBRUARY 25 - MARCH 2, 2016 www.mississippilink.com

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